
i 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

vS^S^ 

Chap.. ..:.__. Copyright No. 



ShelL__.y._4:7SG 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




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SOUVENIR EDITION 



SONGS AND 
ROMANCES 

OF BUFFALO 

BY y^ 

JOHN CHARLES SHEA 
U 

IVITH ILLUSTRA TIONS 



^ 



BUFFALO NEW YORK 

CHARLES WELLS MOULTON PUBLISHER 
1900 



TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 

LiDrary Of Cei8geH%| 
Of flea of ilii 

m I 9 1900 

Keglitar of Gspyftgltg, 






Copyright 1900 by 
John Charles Shea. 



8£C0N0 COPY. 



Ai Learning's Fountain it is sweet to drink. 
But His a nobler privilege to think; 
And oft, from books apart, the thirsting mind 
May make the nectar which it cannot Jind. 

—J. G. Saxe: The Library. 



CONTENTS. 






Page. 


Queen of the Lakes. 


9 


Old Times in Buffalo. 


12 


An Ode to Spring Openings. 


15 


Men who fought for Buffalo. 


16 


The Builders of the Way. 


20 


Put me off at Buffalo! 


21 


First Run of the 999, 


24 


Buffalo's Christmas Tree. 


26 


The Pan-American. 


28 


The Greatest Show on Earth. . 


30 


The Race of the Sites. 


32 


Good enough for All. 


34 


The Man who Blocks the Way. 


35 


Step Forward in the Car. 


37 


At the Ferry. .... 


40 


A Mild Ecstatic Feeling. . 


41 


Sunshine on the River. 


43 


As the Ships go by. . 


45 


From Buffalo to the Springs. 


47 


When Canadians go A- fishing. . 


48 


The Joy of Thanksgiving. 


50 


The Little Boy who Trusted Santa 




Claus 


55 


A Plea for the Flowers. 


57 


The Music of the Street. . 


59 


A Child's List for Santa Claus. 


61 



g CONTENTS 






Page 


Are all bhe Presents Ready? 


63 


Once More Upon the River. 


65 


The Fishing Poles are put Away. 


66 


Down by the River at Five. 


68 


October Apple Blooms. 


69 


The Hero 


71 


Pardon Dreyfus! 


73 


Lines to *' Jennie June." . 


74 


Ttie Gathering of the Dolls. 


75 


Thoughts of Apple Blossoms. . 


78 


My Mother's Voice. . 


80 


Heart Echoes 


81 


Beyond the Clonnds. 


84 


Memories of a Mother's Love. . 


85 


Love and Hope. 


87 


Sister Modesta. 


89 


In Missouri, Long Ago. 


91 


In Memory of "Farmer Baker." 


93 


The Men Behind the Guns. 


94 


When Johnny gets his Gun. 


96 


So Splendid on Parade. 


98 


The Brave ones left Behind. 


99 


A Shrine were Vows are Made. 


101 


The Nurse of the Volunteers. 


102 


Dewey, Come this Way. 


103 


Very much to Do. 


105 


Sigsbee saw the Light. 


107 


A Controversy is Rhyme. . 


108 



CONTENTS 

In the City By the Lake. . 

A Poet's Flight. 

To a Fellow Warrior. 

Bombs that did not Kill. . 

I Want to go Fishing Today. 

The Dread Canadian Fly. 

Liliuokalani at the Falls. 

"The Man with his Hat in his Hand. 

Do not Wait for Dogs to Bite. 

The Charity Ball. 

One of the City's Poor. 

If the Wind don't Blow. . 

The New Grand Island Bridge. 

The Sparrow and the Robin. 

A Night at the Play. 

The Snow White Cradles. 

Forget it Not. . 

The Days of Trusts. 

Lily's Home from School. 

When we Were Boys Together. 

Building a Bonnet. 

Forgotten Little Cradles. 

Below Zero. 

The World's Common School. 

Gone with the Fourth. 

A Vision from the Carnival. 

Rainy Day Advice. 

Good-By to Li Hung Chang. 



9 

Page 
109 

110 

111 

113 

116 

117 

119 

121 

123 

125 

126 

128 

130 

132 

134 

135 

137 

138 

139 

141 

142 

144 

146 

147 

149 

151 

152 

153 





Page 


Foot-Prints in the Snow. . 


156 


Engaged. 


158 


Parted 


160 


The Birth of Kisses. 


163 


A New Year Reverie. 


165 


A Winter Scene on the Prairie. 


166 


The Mythial Fairyland. 


169 


A Baby's Tale of Woe. 


171 


Put the Paddle out of Sight. 


174 


The Winsome Village Girl. 


175 


The Ladies of Cadiz. 


177 


Ladies not of Cadiz. 


178 


They May Talk. 


180 


The Forgotten Prayer. 


181 


Story of the Degenerate. . 


184 


A Christmas Thought. 


187 


Questions about the Weather. 


388 


Canada's Merry Maids and Matrons. 


189 


A Sweet Canadian Girl. 


190 


You Kissed Me. 


192 


Leave them Unsaid. 


193 


Fleeting Summer Days. 


194 


A Wondering Fisherman. 


195 


She Could not Lift the Cup. 


196 


Belles of St. Louis. . 


197 


Echoes from an Old Key-Bugle. 


199 


The Man with the Shovel. 


201 


England Wears the Green. 


203 



DEDICATORY. 

N sending forth this little volume to court 
the favor of the public, I desire to 
acknowledge a long accumulating debt of 
gratitude which I owe to Mr. Edward H. 
Butler, editor and proprietor of the ''Ev<^n- 
ing News" for his frequent promptings to effort 
in productions of the pen and his kindly interest 
in my cherished Muse. To Mr. Butler, there- 
fore, I gratefully dedicate "The Songs and 
Komances of Buffalo." 

A lover of literature himself, he imparts the 
fruits of extensive reading and thoughtful 
study to those around him, and many owe to 
him that encouragement which has often 
proved a foundation of success. He is devoted 
to Buffalo and its varied interests; he never 
allows an opportunity to pass without saying 
something in its praise. 

The public spirit of the business men of 
Buffalo and its citizens has become better 
known since the Pan-American Exposition 
was conceived and plans matured for its 
creation. It will be the greatest effort of the 



kind made in this country np to the present 
time. The generosity of the city's social 
circles, the excellent work of its charity organ- 
izations and the beauty of the city and its 
environments of lake and river are known 
wherever the name of Buffalo is spoken. 

Having caught something of this spirit of 
admiration and progress, I have been tempted 
to turn from the more active duties of life and 
find restful pleasure in preparing a Souvenir 
expressive of the delight I have felt in the 
scenes depicted and the romances told. 

J. C. S. 




QUEEX OF THE LaKE?.' 



SONGS AND ROMANCES 



"QUEEN OF THE LAKES." 

^^TAUEEN OF THE LAKES! Thy throne 
I A I is fixed where Lake and River 
It* I meet; 
^^5^ Where trade and commerce proudly 

lay their treasures at your feet ; 
Where grand and giant forces move industrial 

treasures so 
That workers see with gratitude trade's still 

increasing flow. 
And Erie, smiling peacefully, or frowning, as 

she may, 
Brings here the commerce of the West from 

harbors far away ! 
In majesty the Lake Queen now sits proudly 

on her throne 
And wields a scepter, loyally, on forces all her 
own ! 



10 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

In all that makes a city great Queen of the 

Lakes is grand — 
Resourceful and unique she is, with spirit to 

command. 
She knows that to protect herself, her toilers 

must be free, 
*'Home work, home men" — the motto **is just 

good enough for me," 
And, looking o'er the labor field, her iron 

works and ail, 
She proudly says: *^ Achievements grand are 

now within my call. 
For when it comes to engines, with a pressure 

none can shake. 
There are few can make an engine like the 

workmen here can make!" 

Though rival cities fret and foam, and bluster, 
scold and pout 

The New York Tribune says they can't **exas. 
perate a shout." 

For Buffalo ranks fifth among the cities mari- 
time — 

Which sounds resplendent — when it makes the 
rhythm of a rhyme ! 

The Queenly City points with pride to prospects 
bright and fair 

And bids conventions national her home and 
houses to share, 



SON^GS AND ROMANCES. 11 

For as lier fame for beauty of park and river 

blends, 
She'll show how far — how wide and far — a 

welcome here extends. 

Then there's the asphalt pavements — the jolly 
pave for bikes — 

The sources of amusement which every wheel- 
man likes ; 

And mounted on their cycles the world seems 
left behind, 

For the wheelman rides upon the air — his tire 
imprisons wind. 

And, oh, the girls of Buffalo, in knickerbocker 
suits, 

Or skirts that seem to tantalize the beauty of 
their boots. 

And bloomers, too, for I maintain and stoutly 
here declare 

A Buffalo girl in any dress looks lovely any- 
where ! 



12 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 




OLD TIMES IN BUFFALO. 

OME years ago when business cares were 
lighter far than now, 
And social duties, joyous rounds, kept 
furrows from the brow ; 
When neighbors greeted neighbors with a kind 

and cheery word. 
The *' Circle" was a suburb where all country 

sounds were heard — 
Oh, the scenes of long ago ; oh, that time of 

pure delight ! — 
The Bufialo boys were merry and the girls 
came out at night ! 

There were no dark-eyed people then from 

sunny climes afar; 
The sounds of wheezy organs did not on the 

feelings jar; 
There were no cars, no crowding, nor holding 

on to straps. 
And business men, not hurried then, took after 

dinner naps. 
And, oh, the balls, the parties, the drives by 

pale moonlight. 



SOifGS AND ROMANCES. 13 

When Buffalo boys were merry and the girls 
came out at night. 

Yes, these were times when generous thoughts 
in generous hearts held sway, 

And unaffected graces were the coinage of the 
day; 

The people were not strangers then, a common 
purpose ruled — 

In right and fair humanity were men and 
women schooled. 

And so their joys were honest joys, a well- 
spring of delight, 

When Buffalo boys were merry and the girls 
came out at night. 

But all things change. And so we find a city 
great and grand 

With many quaint and curious things a city 
can command. 

The 'lectric power's the latest proud addition 
to the list, 

And soon we'll see a cycling path emerging 
from the mist ! 

Oh, joyous girls of olden time, would you could 
see the sight. 

And feel the strong enticements now for com- 
ing out at night. 



14 SOlfGS AISTD ROMANCES. 

Ye winsome, winning women — maids and 
matrons of the past, 

Your fame throughout the country in a song 
will ever last, 

Alas, you never knew what joys the cycling 
journeys bring. 

Along a smooth, enchanting path, when bike is 
on the wing. 

The present girls will emulate your own pecu- 
liar right, 

And keep the good old fashion still by coming 
out at night ! 

A cycling path of cinders — a romantic road 
along 

A river famed in story — praised in poet's verse 
and song. 

What joy 'twill be in summer time to speed 
along the shore. 

And view the river ripples and hear the splash 
of oar — 

And then the blush of evening, the moon's soft 
ray and light. 

Will charm again the Buffalo girls when com- 
ing out at night. 
Buffalo, December, 1895. 



SONGS AND UOMANCES. 15 



AN ODE TO "SPRING OPENINGS." 

THE signs now tell us of the joyous sea- 
son, 
All welcome voices speak its jocund 
mirth, 
And subtle odors give a cogent reason 
For beauty blooming over all the earth 

The lake is moving in a sparkling motion, 
The clouds are weaving many changing forms, 
The vines are creeping — they have ta'en the 
notion. 
That spring v^ill pass without severer storms. 

But if you wish to see sure indications 
Of coming spring, don't to the robins go, 

Nor watch the clouds, when in their wild 
gyrations, 
They swiftly pass or wander to and fro. 

Go view those harbingers, the city motions — 
*' Spring openings," where the shopping 
ladies meet, 



16 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Where dry goods, millinery and other notions — 
Are seen resplendent from the crowded 
street. 

Go where beauty and duty loudly call thee, 
Where ** songs of spring" translated grandly 
are. 

Where symphony of color much enthralls thee, 
And thrills of Easter meet thee from afar. 

In well-stocked stores the grander spring-time 
bloometh. 
And odes in honor of its coming tell 
How grand arrays of form and color teemeth 
In those ** spring openings" that all love so 
well. 



MEN WHO FOUGHT FOR BUFFALO. 

(Commemorating the Heroic Deeds of Defenders of BufiFalo 
in December, 1813.) 

'HE enemy has crossed the line!" 
'Twas nearly midnight, dark and 

drear ; 
The moon and stars refused to shine. 
And Con-ja-qua-dies Creek is near. 




fi,:^^^ 


















Proposed Memorial Monument for Niagara Square. 




To commemorate the Heroic Defenders of Buffalo, who in December 

1813, fought one of Commodore Perry's guns at Niagara 

Square, when the British soldiers and Indians 

advanced to burn the city. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 17 

The patrols, guarding river bank, 

Heard there the splash of muffled oar, 

And knew the British, rank on rank. 
Were gathering on the other shore. 

Arouse, Black Rock ! Drive back the foe. 

Awake ! Come forth ! Save Buffalo ! 

*'The enemy has crossed the line!" 

The words were passed from man to man ; 
And beacon lights were seen to shine 

As patrols sped and couriers ran. 
Warren and Churchill heard the cnll 

And roused their men to meet the foe, 
While flying horsemen, waking all, 

Met General Hall at Buffalo. 
The enemy has crossed the line — 
Their bayonets gleam, their sabres shine ! 

This is a time for purpose grand, 

For soul-inspiring, manly deeds; 
For strength of purpose — quick command — 

And victory for the man who leads ! 
It is a time for manhood's power 

When bravery in passion glows — 
The day has come, and now the hour — 

Strike, freemen, strike your sturdy blows! 
**The enemy has crossed the line!" 
Rings out where starry banners shine ! 



18 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 

But who can stay the panic there? 

Along the river road they came, 
Hurrying on in wild despair — 

Our untrained soldiers lost to fame ! 
Then, steady in their even ranks. 

The British soldiers followed fast, 
Their Indian allies on their flanks — 

The vengeful bands have come at last ! 
Their war cries signaled death that day. 
And fire's destruction marked their way. 

Where are the men who rallied here 

But yesterday? Oh, where are they? 
All scattered, gone, and pale with fear 

Back to their homes they seek their way. 
But late the victors, strong and bold, 

Triumphant o'er a treacherous foe! 
With valor drooping — spirit cold — 

They now through forest shadows go. 
Oh, who will strike one vigorous blow. 
And save thee, helpless Buffalo? 

Lieutenant Seely, stanch and true. 
Fought all along Niagara's way ; 

With single gun — his comrades few — 
Each shot was valor's hope that day! 

He fought for helpless women here. 
For children, homes and lives of those 



SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 19 

Who, old and feeble, felt a fear 

They never felt in front of foes ! 
The Indian war cry on the breeze, 
Heard from afar, thrilled through the trees. 

The Hulls and Efner, Johnson, Kan«, 

Fought bravely near Niagara Square 
With one of Perry's guns. Again 

Its voice re-echoes on the air, 
And, pointing at the foe's advance, 

Where hate and dread revenge have met, 
Responsive to the gunner's glance 

It thunders forth defiance yet. 
Oh, for one hour of Perry's might — 
His glorious spirit in the fight. 

But vain the efforts of the brave. 

The gallant men who fought that day! 
They could not stay the surging wave, 

Nor hold the hands upraised to slay. 
But fitting 'tis the ** Square" should tell. 

In marble figures grand and bold 
How long they fought ; how grand, how well — 

These men of valor pure as gold. 
Tell of their deeds that all may know 
Who fought to save thee, Buffalo ! 

Buffalo, February, 189P). 



20 SO^GS AND EOMANCES. 



THE BUILDERS OF THE WAY. 



w 



HEN springtime comes and cycles, 
bright and ready, 
Are speeding onward, looking 
grand and gay. 
What thankfulness the cyclists, strong and 
steady. 
Will feel toward the builders of the way ! 
Down by the margin of the flowing river. 
Swift as an arrow from an archer's bow 
Will speed the cyclists — ah, the senses quiver, 
To view the rush when cyclists onward go! 

Over bridges — by the meadows gleaming — 
Along the orchards — 'mid the fragrant 
blooms — 
Beyond the upland, where the sunlight 
streaming. 
Chases the shadows from the forest glooms; 
Where sportsmen lingering feel a sense of glad- 
ness. 
Where tireless toilers mow an aftermath, 
Where war once made those dreadful scenes of 
sadness, 
Is marked the line — Niagara's Cycling Path ! 



SONGS AN^D ROMAN^CES. 21 

A gift most gen'rous! A pathway leading 

From heart to heart along the even line ; 
And when the cyclers on the road are speeding, 

They'll **take a tumble" to the thought 
divine. 
So, at the ball, when music charms to dancing, 

And whirling figures through the mazes play. 
The thought of cycling 'mid those scenes 
enchanting 

Will brighten pleasures of the cycling way ! 

Buffalo, January, 1896. 



PUT ME OFF AT BUFFALO." 

UTme off at Buffalo!" the soulful 
songster sings. 
Expressive of the great desire that 
longing always brings, 
"Put me off at Buffalo! that place of great 

renown — 
That jolly, jaunty city — that wayward New 

York town!" 
The traveling salesman closed his eyes and 

snored a snore or two. 
Then in his dreams he noted down the business 
he would do. 




22 SOi^GS AlsD ROMANCES. 

He murmured as he slumbered: "It's the 

grandest town I know ! 
Its businessmen are generous — its tradesmen 

are not slow ; 
And as for pretty maidens and matrons fair to 

see, 
No other town can quite compare — that's how 

it seems to me!" 
And then that slumbering wayfarer laughed as 

his voice rose higher, 
**But wait," he said, "until that town gets 

power from the wire!" 

And then he tossed and tumbled and laughed, 
it seemed to me, 

As if he was a "slumbering volcano" of wild 
glee, 

"At least the traction railroad," he muttered 
soft and low, 

"As a * disturbing element' isn't liked in 
Buffalo ! 

And a three-cent fare a two-cent ride is some- 
thing, I am sure. 

That fails in its * attractions,' and doesn't 
quite allure!" 

"Oh, put me off at Buffalo!" the stranger cried 
again. 



SON"GS AND KOMANCES. 23 

His anxious thoughts seemed swaying to this 

popular refrain ; 
^'I want to see that building which spreads 

itself so fair — 
So ornate, neat, imposing, its length and width 

a square. 
I want to see the town where all * commercials' 

wish to go. 
*Wake me early in the morning' — *Put me off 

at Buffalo!'" 

The song recites what happened to the man 
once carried by. 

And whisked away to Cleveland on a wild and 
Western "fly." 

But this man to Niagara Falls was hurried in 
a trice 

And made to stand, admire and praise a treach- 
erous bridge of ice, 

**The scene is very grand," he said, amid the 
blinding snow, 

**But business is business over there at 
Buffalo!" 
Buffalo, January, 1896. 



24 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 



FIRST RUN OF THE "999." 

THE fastest road," so memory calls, 
The way from Eochester to the Falls, 
And oft I've heard Dan Bromley 
say, 
"By packet is the fastest way!" 

And truly 'twas a splendid sight — 
Tandem steeds — rope taunt, or tight, 
The "packet horn" resounding fine. 
Thrilling all hands on canaler's line, 
"Fast," said Dan, "why the packet flies, 
We'll be in Buffalo before sunrise!' 

Then came the railroad! In '43, 

It crowded the packet for mastery. 

And soon Dan Bromley, bound to shiue. 

Called "All aboard " on a faster line. 

"The fastest road," so memery calls. 

Was the "strap-rail" road to Niagara Falls. 

Speeding a mile in an hour or two, 

A train from Rochester ! Away it flew, 

If the "strap-rail" didn't run through and 

through 
The cars as they sped in that hour or two ! 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 25 

But a faster line was that which came, 

When the "Central" rose in the sheen of fame, 

And Bromley was often heard to say, 

"At last I've found a faster way!" 

But that was in Lockport in '52, 

When the line was ballasted through and 

through ; 
And, to show that now there was something 

in it. 
The train made just a mile a minute. 

"We'll rest the record," said Bromley then, 
"No faster time can be made by men." 
And that was the fastest time he knew. 
For Dan went over the line from view, 
But I know if a blast from a packet horn 
Could be heard in the cloud in the early morn, 
Dan's voice would answer, loud and clear, 
"All aboard! a faster line is here!" 

But what would good Dan Bromley say 
If he'd journeyed with Hogan yesterday? 
When "999"went off with a sigh 
And time stood still to see her go by ! 
One hundred and twenty miles in au hour — 
Oh, see the speed, the strength and power! 
The nerve of the man, the steady hand. 
The motion, the roar, the eye of command ! 
Objects recede from view as they pass. 



26 SOlJGS AKD KOMAKCES. 

Nothing is seen on the painted grass, 
Houses and farms are together toss'd, 
Miles are engulfed and space is lost ! 
And Hogan has solved the railroad rhyme, 
He has won for his road the fastest time. 



BUFFALO'S CHRISTMAS TREE. 







^ VER the city, the children, all joyous. 
Are gathering tonight where laughter 

is free — 
Presents are brought and arranging 
employ us 
In loading with presents a grand Christmas 
Tree. 

We've gifts for our Jane, for John and for 
Mary, 
And baby, wee toddler, with eyes full of glee ; 
And grandmother, too, and Bella, the fairy — 
For all must have gifts on the home Christ- 
mas Tree. 

Gifts for the lover of Jane and for mother — 
Whose hands with her heart e'er in kindness 
agree — 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 27 

And father, who knows that we love one 
another, 
Shall have a rare gift on our bright Christmas 
Tree. 



Now, as the party, enjoying so hearty, 

The moments when mirth makes us merry 
and free. 
We'll think of the city and, to be witty. 

We will give City Hall a proud Christmas 
Tree. 
There 'mong the branches, place laws for free 
water, 
An ordinance, too, that would brighten the 
gas; 
The Queen of the Lakes, Niagara's fair 
daughter. 
May flirt with advancement, but ne'er let it 



Pictures we'd place on a branch, looking gaily. 
Of spacious hotels in the heart of the town ; 
A home for theatricals, cheering us daily. 
Would drive from the brow of Care furrow 
and frown. 
Full on the topmost branch, looking so jolly. 
We'd place the Convention Hall clear to the 
sight, 



28 SOXGS AND RO:!HAXCES. 

Crowned with bright evergreen, mistletoe, 
holly— 
A beautiful Christmas dream, born of delight. 
Come, with your gifts all the city to brighten, 
Oh, come with improvements, the best at 
command; 
Come with devices, the burdens to lighten. 
And come with whatever may make the town 
grand. 
Rouse your devotion ! Let pride come to cheer 
you— 
All for the honor of Buffalo agree ! 
And you will find that good fortune's quite near 
you 
While viewing the gifts on this bright 

Christmas Tree. 
Buffalo, Dec, 1897. 



THE PAN-AMERICAN. 

WEAR the roaring of the Pan — 
Pan-American ! 
What a gorgeous prospect opens up 
before this splendid Pan ! 
How the people gather might 
In a cause that's just and right! 



SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 29 

Men of business and all ages, 
When tliey view the lights of Pan 
Shining on the work began — 

Mark the Exposition stages. 
Keeping time, time, time. 
While the dollars make a rhyme 
To the music of the people, praising parts of 

prosperous plans 
For the coming of the Pan, Pan, Pan, Pan, 

Pan, Pan — 
For the coming of the Pan-American I 
Hear the cheers resound for Pan — 
Pan- American ! 

What a wealth of praise now lingers 'bout the 

very name of Pan ! 
See the contributions come ! — 
City men to city true ! — 
AVhat a splendid thing to view ! 
Taps of dollars beat the drum. 
And the world can hear the hum 
Of the mighty roll that makes a million dollars 
come! 
How the contributions grow ! 
The people in their might 
Prove that hearts are beating right, 
And amounts with steady flow 
Now double in a night ! 



30 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Then the call comes from the country: **Let 
us in!" — 
"Let us share in enterprise, 
Let us, too, grow business wise — 
We will contribute to make the millions grow!" 
So the spirit seems so catching 
That all are now dispatching 
Their promises to add to the million list and 
show 
That their hearts are in the plan 
To push the famous Pan ! — 
To bring success securely to the Pan, Pan, 

Pan, Pan, 
To the gorgeous aggregation of the Pan-Amer- 
ican! 
Buffalo, January, 1899. 



THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. 

("The Pan-American Bill Called Up and Passed— Now for 
the Greatest Show on Earth." — Head line in a "News" ex- 
tra edition.) 



OW, Buffalonians, stanch and true, 
Now, men of nerve and brain, 
Here is a work 
for you to do. 
In sunshine or in rain ; 




SONGS AND EOMANCES. 31 

Whatever course the winds may take, 

To interfere with mirth, 
Just show the world that you can make 

The Greatest Show on Earth ! 

Thanks to our statesmen, wise and firm; 

Thanks to our Mayor Diehl ; 
Thanks to our business men, we term, 

Our leaders, true as steel! 
Thanks to our friends with generous hands 

The men with manly girth, 
Whose help has given a chance to make 

The Greatest Show on Earth ! 

Remember what your Mayor said : — 

Don't press the forward line, 
The modest man is better paid 

Than he who crowds to shine. 
There's room on topmost rounds, we're told, 

For those who prove their worth. 
And he will win who helps to make 

The Greatest Show on Earth ! 

The aid of State and Congress serves 

To stimulate the plan — 
To strengthen will and heart it nerves 

The Pan-American! 
Together let your voices ring 

In songs and shouts of mirth — 



32 SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 

United efforts now will bring 
The Greatest Show on Earth ! 
Buffalo, March, 1899. 



e^ 



THE RACE OF THE SITES. 

THE sites for Pan-American were figured 
down to five, 
Yet still it was quite certain there 
were other sites alive ; 
For candidates for favor came so quickly to the 

light. 
That almost every citizen had got a favorite 
site. 

The experts* brows look troubled, and the 

advocates look dry, 
While combinations posted seem so strange 

unto the eye. 
There are surgings of the noisy crowd as some 

one makes a call. 
And sites go up and sites go down like stocks 

that rise and fall. 

Here's a sample of the postings that are on the 
Site Exchange, 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 33 

And the race of combinations shows a turf race 

that is strange: 
**The Front, the Kumsey site, the Riverside 

and then. 
The Kumsey site, the favored Front, and 

Riverside again!" 

Then changes followed changes till the com- 
bination showed 

The Front still gave to Rumsey site and 
Driving Park the goad. 

And to the Front and Riverside came Stony 
Point in place. 

And Driving Park withdrew awhile, though 
eager for the race. 

Quick, Riverside and Driving Park and Rum- 
sey site came in. 

As cheers among the sporty boys stirred up a 
mighty din; 

And Rumsey site, and Riverside, and Front, 
in fine array, 

Closed in and claimed a showing that seemed 
to win the day ! 

The Rumsey site, still leading in a combina- 
tion strong. 

Was joined by Driving Park and Front and thus 
they jogged along; 



34 SONGS AlCD ROMANCES. 

But other combinations are pushing to the 

fore, 
They long to get upon the track — but, lo ! the 

race is o'er. 

For thus the quarter pole was reached by 

Racers of the Sites, 
The Front's brave friends began to give the 

cheer that most delights, 
When gallant Rumsey, dashing on in beauty 

fine and gay, 
And a flutter 'mong the ladies showed that 

Rumsey won the day ! 
BufEalo, April, 1899. 



GOOD ENOUGH FOR ALL. 

YOUR handsome site and mine, my 
friend. 
Are just no sites at all. 
For Rumsey site will win the day 
And press us to the wall. 
And now it stands this way, my friend, 

As far as I can see, 
The Rumsey site is good enough — 
It's just the site for me I : 



SOKGS AXD ROMAI^^CES. 35 

We trust the men who brought it forth, 

We know they're stanch and fair; 
They're loyal to old Buffalo — 

'No "job" is in the air! 
Their work has been unselfish and 

Their promises all true, — 
I think the Eumsey site will prove 

Just good enough for you ! 

So let us now clasp hands and say, 

With thankfulness and might ; 
"All honor to the men who groped 

In darkness for a site ! 
And who, when hope was dimly seen — 

Almost beyond recall — 
Proved that the Rumsey plain would be 

Just good enough for all!" 

Buffalo, May, 1899. 



THE MAN WHO BLOCKS THE WAY. 

'HE open car is luxury in summer time 
so fair, 
For riding on those open cars you 
always get fresh air ; 
The breeze is strengthened as you go, with 
freedom in its play, 




36 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

And all is is very pleasant, save the man who 
blocks the way. 

He gets aboard when no one else is on the 

roomy seat, 
And always seems the largest man that travels 

on the street; 
He plants himself right jauntily, and firmly, I 

may say — 
Does this great and grand obstructor — the man 

who blocks the way. 

You try to pass him carefully to get to t'other 

side — 
The car is none too roomy and the way is none 

too wide — 
You stumble in the effort, for his feet will 

there betray 
The awful, dreadful bulkiness of the man who 

blocks the way. 

A lady comes ! Ah, pity her ! She hesitates 

— afraid ! 
How can she pass the barrier those legs and 

feet have made? 
But, somehow, she gets seated, and her looks 

seem to betray 
A seething sea of anger for the man who blocks 

the way. 



H 



SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 37 

There's the lady with the bundles — ah, she 
will often take 

The place our bulky friend has held. Object- 
ion none can make ! 

For woman's rights are granted — she can 
always have her say, 

And if one has a mind to she can safely block 
the way. 

But, on the cars or elsewhere, there's a mur- 
mur that will flow — 

An impulse from the angry heart that rises 
swift or slow ; 

And that murmur grows in fierceness, where 
people work or play. 

Against the man who heedlessly will dare to 
block the way. 
Buffalo, July, 1897> 

"STEP FORWARD IN THE CAR." 

H, many things in city life 
You meet with every day. 
Amid its pleasures and its strife. 
That range from grave to gay. 
But 'mongst the queerest, strangest things 
That on my feelings jar 




38 SONGS AKD ROMAN^CES. 

Is when the car conductor rings 
His bell, and then so loudly sings : 
**Step forward in the car!" 

You see the market buyers, and 

You feel like jumping out, 
But, hustling in, the merry band 

Puts feelings all to rout. 
Their baskets, filled with meats and things, 

All passengers they bar. 
And then the car conductor rings 
His bell, and, oh, so merrily sings : 

** Step forward in the car!" 

You start for church on Sunday. Oh, 

The excursionists are there. 
In fact you'll find though far you go 

Excursions everywhere. 
So, musing on discordant strings — 

111 fate — unlucky star — 
You're startled ! The conductor rings 
His bell, and then so cheerily siags : 

"Step forward in the car!" 

A short, stout woman. Mild blue eyes! 

A full car ! Oh, that strap 
She cannot reach. A strange surprise ! 

A jolt! She's in your lap! 



SONGS AiN"D ROMAls^CES. 39 

And neighboring ladies look such things ! 

A laugh would shock or mar ! 
And then the car conductor rings 
His bell, and louder, louder sings : 

"Step forward in the car!" 

A car is full. We start along, 

Home comfort to infuse. 
The women stand — the gents, a throng 

Sit reading Evening News 
But Mohawk street more people brings — 

The babes and parcels mar 
All joy. The car conductor rings 
His bell, and sternly, sternly sings : 

*'Step forward in the car!" 

But watch the down town cars for fun 

When girls a-shopping go. 
And evening's rush has just begun — 

At five o'clock or so. 
You're squeezed. A blush on crimson wings 

Comes gently from afar. 
And then the car conductor rings 
His bell, and laughingly he sings: 

"Step forward in the car!" 

Buffalo, November, 1895. 



40 SOXGS AXD ROMANCES. 



©" 



AT THE FERRY. 

THE lake there's a beautiful curtain 
Of mist, that looks grand as we 
view it ; 
On the river a sparkle and shimmer, 
As if waves saw Spring smiling through it; 
There are murmuring sounds in the air, 

A dancing of ripples quite merry ; 
The morning is bright and most fair; 
A scene of delight at the Ferry. 

On the lake there's no longer a mountain 

Of waves that toss ships till they're 
stranded — 
Over there is where ships were engulfed — 

Their mariners never were landed ; 
Ah, the toss of the waves and their thunder, 

The winds dashing down the doomed wherry, 
Till escape to the land is a wonder — 

As viewed from the pier at the Ferry. 

But the scenes of the Spring and the Summer, 
Are peaceful and joyous and jolly; 

Patiently fishermen bait all the day; 
At evening they laugh at their folly. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 41 

Joyous excursionists leaving the pier, 
Or, crossing the river, make merry, 

While bands, playing music deliciously clear, 
Enhances the scene at the Ferry. 
Buffalo, February 28, 1898. 



A MILD ECSTATIC FEELING. 



0" 



THIS soft and sunny weather. 

When the birds begin to gather, 
And the snow along the borders has 
melted all away, 
And the ice upon the river 
Does not now suggest a shiver. 
There's a languorous sort of feeling stealing 
o'er me every day. 

I wake from dreams in morning, 

All work and worry scorning, 
And feel a kind of stupor that is pleasure more 
than pain, 

While a mild ecstatic feeling 

Comes stealing, stealing, stealing, 
And off I drift to dreamland again and yet again. 



42 SONGS AND ROMAls^CES. 

There's a sail a-down the shoreland, 
There is sunlight on the moorland, 
And boats are tossing lightly on the waves 
I plainly see, 
And still this languorous feeling 
Comes stealing, stealing, stealing. 
Until my head is reeling and my fancy, too, is 
free. 

Ah, the breeze is gently blowing, 
And the sunshine now is showing 
A misty line of vapor on the island down the 
stream. 
Hark ! a fisherman is singing 
Where a spaniel's bark is ringing, 
While I wander by the river as if drifting in a 
dream. 

In a boat again I'm sailing. 

While the white foam fast is trailing. 

And down by Navy Island I find a quiet nook. 
And, oh, that languorous feeling 
Which was stealing, stealing, stealing, 

Seems to vanish when a Sprudel casts his line 
and baited hook. 
Buffalo, March, 1894. 



SON^GS AND ROMANCES. 43 




SUNSHINE ON THE RIVER. 

"*ODAY a bright ray of sunshine fell full 
on the river wide, 
A breeze as soft as a summer breeze 
rippled the river's tide, 
And tleecy clouds in the heavens seemed as 
white as drifted snow; 
And the atmosphere 
Whispered quite clear 
That winter must quickly go. 

I heard mysterious voices in the sound of a 

distant rill, 
The streamlets shone and sparkled at the foot 

of a neighboring hill, 
And the sparrows on trees were chirping in a 
rapid, earnest way. 
As if sparrows knew. 
And were telling true 
Of the summer time of play. 

There is hope in the glorious sunshine that 

floods the river and town: 
There is joy in the running waters that sparkle 

from hill tops down; 



44 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

And the sheen on the waves and shoreland 
bring gladness without a fear — 

For we know quite well — 

Nature's voices tell — 
That spring — glad spring, is near. 

The workers arouse at these voices ! This the 

swift breezes know, 
For they tell the waves that commerce soon 

o'er the waters will flow, 
And the rills that toss and sparkle and laugh as 
they tumble down, 
Whisper that mills 
Of valleys and hills 
Will awaken the hum of the town. 

And out of the shadows of winter, the cold and 

the piercing blast. 
The first glad ray of springtime comes glad- 
dening the poor at last. 
And hoping for honest labor and thankful for 
charity's store. 
They hail the glad ray 
Of the sun today — 
As a light to the struggling poor. 
Buffalo, February 28, 1894. 



SOl^^GS AN^D ROMANCES. 46 




AS THE SHIPS GO BY. 

HE passengers on steamers as they meet 
upon the lake 
Wave handkerchiefs for greeting and 
their sun-shades, too, they shake, 
And as the ships pass on their way all hearts 

with hope are kind. 
And ** Happy voyage!" or *^Safe return!'* are 
prayers upon the wind. 

Far down the river, by the shore, a band of 

children play. 
And when excursion boats come near, with 

streamers bright and gay, 
The little ones, with shouts of joy and 

'kerchiefs waving fast. 
Say: *' Happy voyage!" or **Safe return!" as 

swift the boat goes past. 

Then answering signals to the shore go from 

the vessel's side. 
For **Good-bye!" answers ** Happy voyage!" 

back o'er the river's tide. 



46 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

And, oh, no matter who you are or wheresoever 

you go, 
These happy greetings are for you where 

joyous ripples flow. 



A sturdy peasant stands a-field! He longs for 

city life ; 
Ambitious, weary of his lot, and tired of rural 

strife — 
He sees the cars come dashing on and, turning 

from his pose, 
He wafts *'Grood-bye!'' and all his heart is 

with the train that goes. 

Ah, do not deem that youth too bold who 

views the cars go by 
And feels that all his dreams of life within its 

boundaries lie ; 
For this enraptured peasant stands not there 

with downcast head — 
His glance is on the future where the flying 

train has sped. 
Buffalo, July, 1894. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 47 




FROM BUFFALO TO THE SPRINGS. 

(Thoughts on a River Excursion.) 

'HE day is fine, the breeze is strong, 
Old Erie's waves are low, 
The river as it rolls along 

Is noiseless in its flow. 
The ripples dance in lightness, 
No cloud a threatening brings. 
And all is joy and brightness 
From Buffalo to the Springs. 

From crowded street and building, 

From narrow court and lane. 
From rooms that have no gilding. 

From weariness and pain — 
Come those who seek the treasure 

The tossing wavelet flings — 
Of hopes in boundless measure— 

From Buffalo to the Springs. 

Oh, glorious scene of waters. 
Of pastures green and grand. 

Of trees that fling their shadows 
Along the river's strand. 



48 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Oh, happy, happy children. 
And song that childhood sings. 

There's joy and pleasure all the way 
From Buffalo to the Springs. 

Ah, Nature has been free to thee, 

Niagara, of her stores. 
And down thy stream most lavishly 

She's beautified thy shores. 
But here, more precious far than wealth, 

Her breeze all fresh 'ning brings. 
That joy-inspiring gift of health — 

From Buffalo to the Springs. 



WHEN CANADIANS GO A-FISHING. 



w 



'HEN Canadians go a-fishing 
They have no dainty tread ; 
They drop their lines where 'er 
they choose 
With haughty shake of head. 
If fish don't bite upon their side 

They row with might and main — 
To Yankee waters and at eve 
They hie them back again. 



SOKGS AKD ROMANCES. 49 

Their catch may not be bountiful, 

But, then, they get the fun, 
Which Yankee boys and girls admire 

And like to look upon. 
And so the bold Canadians 

Float on the Yankee tide, 
And sport awhile in freedom's air 

Upon the Yankee side. 

The Solons of Ontario 

Have wisdom bubbling o'er. 
They will not have our anglers brave 

Go angling near their shore, 
Their law has put a price upon 

The Yankee, hook and bait — 
A license you must get before 

You drop your line — "and wait." 

Then comes a deep reflection 

When Yankee boys with lines 
Go over to the ** other side" 

And run up square 'gainst fines. 
Instead of fishing free and fair 

They find a different thing — 
Canadian reciprocity 

Will confiscate their ** string." 

We plant the fry and then protect 
Them 'gainst the poacher's net. 



50 SONGS AIS^D ROMANCES. 

But gay Canadians come across 
And pull them from the wet. 

Their laws of state restrict us and 
Our laws of state proclaim 

A freedom that to them and us 
Are equal and the same. 



There's another kind of angling 

That gets the people's praise 
On either side 'tis practiced, too, 

In universal ways, 
The boys and girls of Canada 

And Yankees, too, agree — 
In casting matrimonial lines 

The tariff shall be free. 
Buffalo, May, 1899. 



THE JOY OF THANKSGIVING. 



S 



AILY we sing for Turkey is King in 
this happy land today. 
And generous fare and surcease of 

care will banish all gloom away. 
Our Thanksgiving, too, when opened 
to view has various shades of light^ 



SO]SrGS AND ROMANCES. 61 

And reasons quite numerous, sedate and 
humorous, give cause for our thanks 
tonight. 

Here let us pause in our joy for the cause 

triumphant throughout the land. 
And give from the heart the noblest part of 

our thanks for the man in command. 
McKinley was true, and his eloquence grew to 

encompass the country o'er. 
And his heart was a part of the cause from the 

start, and was sound to the core. 

Thanks for the spark that passed in the dark 

down deep in the ocean bed. 
Startling the fishes with hearty good wishes 

and bearing a message which said : 
*' Hurrah, it is done! Arbitration has won!" 

Three cheers for thy doctrine, Monroe ! 
'Twas a beacon of light — America's right! 
Clasp hands, let your hearts overflow ! 

Thanks for the Power! Fortune's great 
shower of wealth to the city makes 

The people declare that each one shall share 
the boom of the Queen of the Lakes. 

And "Clinton's Great Ditch," that line along 
which the Western grain must flow, 



52 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Will be up to date with improvements great 
and the electric power to tow. 

Oh, for a song ! Sing loud and long, a song 

for the 'lectric wheel, 
The perilous fly of the shaft and the cry of the 

spirit that seems to feel ; 
The creak and the shriek, the stir and the whir 

of a wheel that goes round and round. 
And a spark on a lark, ^mid shadows quite dark, 

and the constant tremulous sound. 

'Twould be very queer if the citizens here 

failed in generous thanks 
For the city's expanding by incomers landing 

and fortune's favoring pranks. 
The future seems boundless, and stories are 

groundless that tell of caution and fear, 
For Buffalo's border (now, this is in order) 

goes to Lockport a year that is near. 

All the good reasons of growth in their seasons, 

the Eeal Estate Board will portray, 
They'll tell of the hurry, excitement and flurry 

of a Eeal Estate Bargain Day. 
But the joy of the river where wavelets quiver, 

the parks and the walks for a lover ; 
The pavements and bikes, which everyone 

likes, are here for all to discover. 



SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 53 

We are thankful for light, though we've not 

enough quite in alleys and streets and 

lanes, 
For crime always hides where darkness abides, 

and there's where it gets its gains. 
The electric flash makes the footpad dash from 

his hiding place on the street. 
When the man with a **star" sees the robber 

afar, clear the way for hurrying feet! 

The Electric City! 'Twould be a great pity to 

hide all its beauty at night ! 
There is joy in the glare, and the flare on the 

air, oh, it dazzles the eager sight ! 
Light the streets! Light the streets! And 

the stranger that greets the business 

man out of gloom 
Will praise all the ways and linger for days in 

a city that's got the boom. 

The microbe in chase is now the great race 

that engages the thoughtful here — 
The invisible death that is caught on the 

breath or is kissed from the lips most 

dear. 
The *' rubber-necked" bottle the nurse must 

throttle, and parents must save their 

own: 



54 SONGS AKD KOMANCES. 

For there's hope for the child that draws it 
mild in the shortest way that is known. 

We thank Dr. Wende, the people's true friend, 

he has triumphed over disease, 
For his care that pure air may banish despair, 

all fright of mad dogs to appease ; 
No pestilence stalks on our streets or our 

walks, and death has a less'ning rate. 
Rejoice, for 'tis known epidemics have flown 

from the healthiest town in the State. 

For charities grand and the open hand, and 

the generous gifts in need ; 
For women most true in all that they do, and 

the forces for good they lead : 
For the manly speech and the acts that reach 

into places of wasting pain, 
For the churches' aid and the good that is said 

— give thanks again and again. 

Our thanks must flow, and wider grow our 

generous thoughts the while, 
For the growing trade and work which has 

made ev'ry laboring force to smile ; 
The merchants in stores, the toilers outdoors, 

and those in mills and shops. 
Feel a joy unalloyed for the army employed 

and the sale of the farmers' crops! 



1 



SONGS Ai^D ROMANCES. 55 

We have thanks in store for blessings galore 

and for some that our patience mocks 
For instance, we raise our Thanksgiving praise 

for those long-neglected docks! 
And look at each hall, every one too small ! 

An auditorium great 
Is the vision seen through the savory sheen 

that covers each loaded plate ! 
Buffalo, November 26, 1897. 



THE LITTLE BOY WHO TRUSTED SANTA 
GLAUS. 

REALLY do not know, 

But, somehow, long ago 
Christmas seemed so full of mystery. And 

The things that Santa brought 
Carried the happy thought 
That fairies cared for us in fairyland. 

And I remember well 

A circumstance befell 
A little boy, an orphan, long ago ; 

The children of the manse 

Hung their stockings and by chance 
Forgot the orphan, in the cheery glow. 



56 SOKGS AI^^D EOMAN^CES. 

All! bitter tears he shed 

When he retired to bed :— 
But soon two little feet were on the stair — 

A tiny form was seen ^^m 

Close beside the fire screen, ^IH 

The weeping boy had placed his stockings 
there ! 

I saw the timid look — 

The little hand that shook ; 
I saw the faith that led him there to pause ; 

I saw him backward creep 

To his little bed to sleep — 
That darling boy who trusted Santa Glaus ! 

Early on Christmas day — 

The first bright morning ray 
Fell on the hearth and stockings full and grand. 

The children in their joy, 

E'en the little orphan boy. 
Thanked Santa for his gifts from fairyland. 

I thought I'd question him, — 

His large blue eyes grew dim 
When I mentioned of his faith in Santa's way ; 

Then he told me that mamma — 

E'er she had gone afar — 
Said that Santa thought of children Christmas 
Day. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 57 

And Santa knew fall well,— 

He said his list could tell, 
Just where to give his candy or his toy;— 

So creeping down the stair 

He prayed as he stood there : 
*'0h, Santa, do remember mamma's boy." 

***** 

Ah, yes, I really know 

That in the long ago, 
Christmas day was ruled by fairy laws,— 

But children of today. 

Are up-to-date at play, 
And know mamma is truly Santa Glaus ! 

Buffalo, December 30, 1899. 



A PLEA FOR THE FLOWERS. 

^Respectfully dedicated to those who cultivate them.) 

HE trees are leafing lovely and the 
grass is fresh and green, 

And the morning calls the sleeper to 
behold a lovely scene. 
For a run upon the cycle or a walk about the 

town 




58 SOl^GS^AKD ROMANCES* 

Give the cheeks a rosy color and will smooth 

the temper down — 
Bat remember in your rambles, there's a joy 

that may be flown 
If you do not let the flowers on the lovely 

latnis alone. 

Ye lovers, who are straying 'neath the falling 

evening gloom. 
Spare the simple bunch of lilacs and the roses, 

when in bloom; 
And ye revelers who, careless of the joy that 

flowers bring. 
Let them bloom in quiet beauty where the 

birds their praises sing : 
And ye boys — oh, heed the warning ! — for your 

joys will all be flown 
If you do not let the flowers on the lovely 

lawns alone. 

Let the flowers bloom in gladness there, 
refreshing every sense — 

They beautify the gardens and adorn the hum- 
ble fence; 

They wither in the hands that dare despoil 
the parent stem — 

And those who love not flowers, sure they were 
not made for them ! 




'A 



SOKGS AKD ROMAKCES. 59 

So, ye ramblers of the night and morn, your 

joys will all be flown, 
If you do not let the flowers on the lovely 

lawns alone ! 
Buffalo, April 14, 1892. 



THE MUSIC OF THE STREET. 

THE grand old music sounding in cathe- 
dral, church or hall, 
Fills heart and soul with melody and 
stirs the feelings all ; — 
But, oh, the poor who may not hear what 

makes our pulses beat, 
Entranced, will, lingering, listen to the organ 

on the street. 
And children, too, will still their noise and 

pause in silence there. 
To catch the faintest echo of the music on the 

air. 
With voices calmed to whispers, they hush 

their shuffling feet. 
And, charmed and awed, they group around the 
organ on the street. 



60 SOKGS AND ROMAKCES. 

A dying child lay faint and low and friends 
were gathered 'round, 

When from the roadway floated in to him a 
well-known sound ; 

A smile passed o'er his fading face — he mur- 
mured low and sweet, 

"I want to hear it" — thus he died 'mid music 
from the street.* 

» * * * * 

Oh, ye who dwell in mansions where music 

softens care 
And buoys the heart in sorrow and charms it 

everywhere. 
See to it that such blessings still the humbler 

homes may greet, 
And leave to freedom and the poor the music 

of the street. 
Buffalo, July 3, 1891. 

*This states an actual occurrence. A little fading in- 
valid boy whispered to his mother: " Let the organ play 
— I want to hear the music," and in a few moments, and 
while the organ still sounded, the life of the little boy 
passed away. 



1 



SONGS AND EOMANCES. 61 



A CHILD'S LIST FOR SANTA GLAUS. 



■^ HE youngest of the household 'tother 
day, 
(The child was little May) 
Heard her mother say 
That she must make a list of things she 
wanted. 
And, after a short pause, 
She added: *'I'll send the list to Santa Glaus.'' 

*'What is a list?" said May, and clapped her 
hands, 
"I too, have commands! 
Santa understands 
That little children like to have their wishes 
known." 
And then she laughed, the fay, 
As I replied: '*A *list' is names of things for 
Ghristmas Day!" 

"Oh, make a *list' for me," she quickly said. 
*'I am not afraid," 
And she gently laid 
Her hand on mine to urge me to her will. 



62 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

With calmness on my face, 
I drew my pencil just to please Her Grace. 

***** 
May's list was long. Her wants flowed on 
unending ; 
In memory stored were names of many 
things — 
Costly gifts with humbler ones were blending. 
Her fancy seemed to have no weary wings. 

Happy childhood ! Shifting scenes of beauty ; 

Mysterious realm, where elfs and fairies 
dwell. 
Time points in vain to years of sterner duty, 

And vain the lessons sad, sad stories tell. 

May stood beside me, her sparkling eyes 
overflowing 
With wonder-laden glances as she numbered 
there, 
The things she thought that fairies were 
bestowing 
From laden baskets borne on wintry air. 

* * H« * ^:- 

*'I want, said May: 
A diamond ring, 
A bird to sing, 
A silk umbrella, 
■; A story book of Cinderella, 



SONGS AN^D ROMAKOBS. 63 

A dog to run, 
Pictures of fun, 
A dress of blue, 
A red hat, too, 

A cat that's jolly, 
Powder for faces. 
Flounces and laces, 
A pair of shoes. 
And tell the 'News' 
I want a dolly!" 
Buffalo, December, 1895. 



ARE ALL THE PRESENTS READY ? 

' / I RE all the presents ready and have you 
rtj selected well? 

/t"! Be sure don't give to Johnny what 
-« A you bought for little Nell; 

Has Frances got her dolly and has Bob his 

bugle horn, 
And Hattie's skates, have they been placed to 

greet her in the morn? 
There are other gifts made ready for dear ones 

loved and true, 
Arranged while thoughts of merry times come 
trooping in review; 



64 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 



And now the stockings are all filled and kindly 

wishes said, 
For the wee ones, weary watchers, who early 

went to bed. 

There's just one little stocking left on purpose 

for the last, 
A tiny foot oft pressed it in the year that's 

flown so fast — 
A pair of little feet now in Cloud Land totter- 

'ng walk, 
And angels hear the prattle of my loved one's 

childish talk. 
I will fill it with the dainties I always gave to 

him; 
The drum he wanted, oh, so much — (it was a 

childish whim) — 
I'll place beside his stocking — in fancy hear 

him play — 
The little boy that, smiling, passed so suddenly 

away. 



Thus, the memory of our losses in such a time 
as this 

Leaves no sadness clouding darkly the Sav- 
iour's promised bliss ; 

For the presents thus selected for the dear one 
in the skies, 



SONGS AKD ROMAIS'CES. 65 

I'll give a poor man's child to bless a Christmas 
morn's surprise ! 
Buffalo, December, 1898. 



ONCE MORE UPON THE RIVER. 

TIS cold upon the river and I'm certain 
There'll be but little fishing now till 
spring 
The autumn winds and clouds with 
heavy curtain 
Tell of the blast that comes on icy wing. 

Once more upon the river we'll go sailing; 

Once more upon the shore we'll stray along; 
Just once we'll see the dun clouds go a-trailing, 

And hear those sounds recalling summer's 
song. 

Come! For the autumn winds are swiftly 
blowing : — 
Though crisp the air the sun has power still — 
And boatmen are beyond the river rowing, — 
Come ! Hoist the sail and guide us where 
you will. 



66 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

What joy is this! The waves with constant 
motion 

The life-blood starts to emulate its flow, 
And, as we speed, the heart in wild devotion 

Recounts its treasures as we onward go. 

Oh, lovely river ! How you set us thinking 
Of love, of hope, of treasures that we prize ! 
Secrets I gave you once — I saw them sink- 
ing— 
I now would have them from your depths 
arise. 

Once more upon the river we'll go sailing ; 

Once more upon the shore we'll stray along; 
Just once we'll see the dun clouds go a-trailing. 

Ere autumn fades and hushed is summer's 
song. 

Buffalo, November, 1898. 

THE FISHING POLES ARE PUT AWAY. 



T 



HE boats along the river's rim 
No more a-fishing go. 

And scarcely anybody finds 
Amusement in a row. 

The fishing poles are put away, 
Where sunlight never shines. 



SOKGS AND EOMAKCES. 67 

And joy and hope are seen no more, 
Along the fishing lines. 

The bass will hide in winter beds, 

The perch, 'tis manifest. 
Will seek no more the tempting bait — 

They've gone to take a rest. 
And sunlight on the river now 

Has lost its sparkling charm — 
The cold waves dash upon the shore 

And moan a dread alarm. 

The shout of bathers calling" far; 

The white sails — cheery sight — 
The passing steamers in the eve — 

No longer give delight. 
And trips to islands just below 

The bridge — how fine the view ! 
Must cease until another spring 

Its glories will renew. 

The gorgeous colors of the woods, 

The summer sunsets grand. 
The beauties of the field and shore, 

The joys of lake and land — 
Will come again to cheer us all ; ' '""' 

The swallows, too — and more — 
The river boats and fishing lines 

Will trail along the shore. , .^[ 



68 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 



DOWN BY THE RIVER AT FIVE. 



•yTDOWN by the river at five, 
rrl Far away from the stifling air 



^ ■ Of boarding house and alcove room, 



And the rising bell on the stair, 
The dancing waves are rippling in — 
They are tripping as if alive, 
As slow I pass along the street, 
Adown to the river at five. 

Through mists that shade the other side 

Erie is dashing low on shore. 
Far away where the stream is deep 

I see the shine of a dripping oar. 
Yonder bridge, like a fairy web. 

Hangs high in mists where elfins dive — 
So deceptive the objects seem 

Adown by the river at five. 

The river mists look bright at morn, 
When the sun with a golden sheen 

Wraps town and lake and stream that flows 
In a gorgeous morning scene, 

Joy comes in with the morning light, 
And health to the many who strive 



SOI^GS Aiq^D ROMANCES. 69 

And both are found by those who stroll 
Adown by the river at five. 

Ah, the river that long ago 

Lured me out in the sun's first ray; 
When life was all an even flow 

And wind and wave were calm all day ; 
Ah, that river, its flowing tide, 

The walk from town, or morning drive — 
Fair was the maid who laughed with me 

Adown by the river at five. 

Buffalo, April, 1897. 



OCTOBER APPLE BLOOMS. 

SPRIXG IN" AUTUMN". 

(An apple tree in the yard of Mrs. A. Vandermueler, 57 
Arkansas street, is in bloom, the blossoms being large and 
very bright in color. A small branch brought to the 
"News" oflBce this morning bore a number of trusses of 
buds and blossoms. — Buffalo "News," October 24.) 

WEET blossoms, with the odor of the 
orchards and the spring. 
Why do you in October bloom? (A 

rare and wondrous thing) 
Your leaves so nicely tinted are and 
bud and bloom are true — 
Can Nature paint, with fingers cold, a blossom 
fair as you? 




70 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

What message of the beautiful is in your folded 

leaves? 
Your presence wakens fancy — bright webs of 

spring it weaves, 
While echoes of the breezes come, as sounds 

come from afar — 
Again we're in the orchards where the apple 

blossoms are. 

Do you come to speak of brighter climes 
beyond a winter's gloom? 

Do you tell us that from trouble, joy and hap- 
piness will bloom? 

Do you warn us that a voice will speak from 
out your petals there 

Of wondrous climes beyond the skies — that 
joy and peace dwell there? 

Perhaps, you've come to show us that the 

chambers of the air 
Contain the forms which once we've seen 

around us everywhere. 
And though we cannot view them with an 

earthly sense of sight 
The spirit sense illuminates and gives us purer 

light. 

Oh, rare and wondrous blossoms, born in 
autumn's chill and cold, 



SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 71 

When russet leaves are falling in colors bright 

as gold ; 
How pale your tints beside them look — too 

delicate to stay, 
No fruit will follow blooming — you bloom and 

fade away. 

Oh, friends with whom I've wandered in the 

orchards long ago, 
I see again your faces with youth's bright and 

happy glow — 
And blossoms of October wake the memories of 

a time 
When birds sang to the buds and blooms a 

song of perfect rhyme. 
Buffalo, October, 1895. 

THE HERO. 



w 



'E read the stories of the sea. 

Where gallant sailors fought their 
way— 
When bursting shells made havoc 
free, 
And death was clasped in mortal fray — 
Though roar of guns 
Appalled the soul. 



72 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Brave men pressed on 
To win the goal ! 

We read of men so firm, so true 

So dauntless 'mid the battle shock, 
That, as the thunders greater grew, 
Defiant stood like rooted rock ! 
Where shot and shell 
Their terrors flame. 
As if from hell 

These voices came ! 

But, where in all the sea's romance. 

When day had closed and dawn awoke ; 
Has such a scene met seamen's glance 
As that when Dewey's signal spoke? 
The Ealeigh's guns 

Made no delay, 

And answers blazed 

Along the bay ! 

Though men had fought in ancient times 

With valor that is praised in Spain, 
Though poets have described in rhymes 
The glories of the heroes slain — 
No valor in 

Manila's Bay 
Was ever known 
Till Dewey's day ! 



SOIfGS AND KOMANCES. 73 

The homage of a nation tells 

The worth of all that he has done, 

And city marts and streams and fells 

Proclaim the victory he has won. 

Throughout the land 

With loud acclaim, 

The people laud 

Brave Dewey's name! 
Buffalo, Sept., 1899. 



PARDON DREYFUS! 

^->^ARDON Dreyfus!" Silly elf, 
^ J Tell me, what has Dreyfus done? 
/->^ Yes! I quite forgot ! 'Tis true- 
But I tell you nothing new — 
Though heside him laid a **gun,*' 
Dreyfus did not shoot himself ! 

The pistol ready at his hand 

Proved a foil to his intent ; 
The baffled tempter stood aside 

When Dreyfus said: **rm innocent!" 

Buffalo, Sept., 1899. 



14: SONGS AKD ROMAK-CES. 



LINES TO "JENNIE JUNE." 

(On meeting her at the State Federation in Buffalo.) 

X THE warfare 'gainst disorder 
We're enlisted on the border, 

And we hail you our commander, 
** Jennie June," 
Oh, my heart with joy is swellin' 
For the higher life to dwell in. 
And its with the social symphonies in tune. 

How bright your song of life is ; 
How strong your moral strife is ; 

I remember, I remember long ago. 
When you worked in April showers. 
And smiled amid May flowers. 

And June was, like your thoughts, a summer 
glow. 

Now you revel in aesthetics. 
In intellectual ethics, 
Kipe in judgment, polished manners — all 
refined. 
And your devotees in laces, 






SONGS AND ROMANCES. 75 

Charming smiles and many graces, 
Show the blending of the toilette with the 
mind. 

Can we doubt, while we admire 
The intellectual fire, 

That frills and lace, and moire in varied tones. 
Give to philanthropic doings, 
As well as tender wooings. 

The power that women have on social thrones. 

Buffalo, November, 1896. 



THE GATHERING OF THE DOLLS. 

(Written after attending the "News" great Doll Show.) 

EE the gathering of the dolls! In- 
structive dolly show ; 
See, the gleaming, dazzling splendors 
that babyhood may know! 
Children all are reveling in anticipated 
blisses. 
Happiness and joy enchain enchanting little 

misses, 
And hushed are cries of babies and the child- 
ren's louder bawls 




76 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

When they hear alluring stories of the gather- 
ing of the dolls. 

There are dolls from generous givers, dolls 

from dainty hands; 
There are dolls that create wonder, representing 

foreign lands; 
There are dolls from schools and churches, all 

dressed in fine array 
And the beauty of their draping art and fashion 

doth betray ; 
Scenes of grandeur and refinement a gift like 

this recalls — 
Sights are worth the seeing in the gathering of 

the dolls! 

There are gifts from all the firemen, brave and 
generous men. 

They've done a deed most worthy to be praised 
by speech or pen ; 

Policemen ever willing, too, their gifts have 
just begun 

And will not cease till dolls are sent to repre- 
sent each one. 

And thus the men of duty, so responsive to its 
calls. 

Are grandly represented in the gathering of 
the dolls. 



SOITGS Al^D ROMANCES. 77 

Ah, tenderness and bravery go ever hand in 

hand, 
And bravest deeds are those which come from 

hearts, without command. 
Homage of the strongest to the weakest gladly 

given 
Surely is not all of earth, it seems a part of 

Heaven, 
And, oh, this benediction, all lightly though 

it falls. 
Is seen in all its splendor in the gathering of 

the dolls. 

A mother who had lost a wee bit prattling 

child, today 
Sent in a contribution of a doll in fine array — 
"Present it to a little one whose mother may 

be dead," 
And thus the card pinned to the dress told 

what the donor said, 
A sorrow prompted missive. Ah, a dear one 

it recalls, 
And tender thoughts are garnered with the 

gathering of the dolls. 

A precious child is gladdened by the gift that 

sorrow sends, 
And a surcease of that sorrow is what the gift 

portends. 



78 



SOl^rGS AND ROMANCES. 



Thus, the act of gen'rous giving finds returns 

for present ills, 
In the pleasure, and the measure of the 

happiness it fills 
And nothing in all fairyland the heart so much 

enthralls 
As little children gladdened by the gathering 

of the dolls! 
Buffalo, Nov., 1895. 



THOUGHTS OF APPLE BLOSSOMS. 







^ H, THE apple blossoms will soon be 
here!" 
Said a child on the lawn at play. 
To a rosy companion standing near, 
As I strolled on the street today ; 
And I heard the rosy one make reply 
In a voice that was sweet and low ; 
**I love the blossoms!" and then with a sigh, 
"But they do not stay long, you know." 

I stopped to hear the response that came. 
As they stood in the twilight gloom : 

*'0h, mother once said it is all the same — 
That the fruit will follow the bloom ! 



SONGS AND ROMAKCES. 79 

And I' Ye read in a book that what we prize 

And lose, in mysterious ways, 
Will blossom again under changing skies 

And gladden our future days." 



Those sweet, sweet words of a girl most fair 

Have brought to my heart and brain. 
Thoughts of the past — and the evening air 

Is fragrant with bloom again, 
For, oh, in the days long passed — ah, well, 

They've gone with blossom and breeze. 
And the maid— but, then, I may never tell. 

Who strolled 'neath the apple trees! 

For years we walked in a loving way. 

And ever when spring came near. 
We took from the month a bloss'ming day 

To cheer us throughout the year. 
And then — ah, then there came a time, 

When I strolled alone in the gloom, 
And I did not know — I'd lost the rhyme,— 

"That fruit will follow the bloom!" 

Buffalo, April 18, 1891. 



80 SOKGS AKD ROMANCES. 




MY MOTHER'S VOICE. 

HE voice of her I love, how dear ! 
Tho' far my wand'ring footsteps stray, 
It lingers on my listening ear, 
It vibrates thro' each passing year; 
And, thinking of that voice today. 
Remembrance claims the willing tear. 

My mother's voice ! Its gentle power 
Has turned temptation's face away ; 

And tho' the tempest clouds may lower, 

To darken life's most joyous hour. 
It comes, like sunshine on the day. 

To brighten field, and wood, and bower. 

That voice comes to me when alone, 
In cheerinsr accents, soft and sweet ; 

In festive halls I hear its tone ; 

And when to wilder scenes I've flown — 
Thro' haunts of men, thro' busy street — 

Its magic spell is round me thrown. 

How sweet the voices are that blend 
In murmuring rill and flow'ry lee ; 



I 



SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 81 

In whisperings that the south winds send ; 
In sighs from trees when branches bend ; 
In thrilling sounds from heaving sea, 
And in the echoes valleys lend ! 

Yet naught has ever touched my heart 
Like that sweet voice I long to hear ; 

An echo of the soul thou art ! 

And from this revery I start 
To feel my mother's spirit near, 

Sweet voice ! ah, we shall never part I 



HEART ECHOES. 

"^HE day is dreary and the night is long 
Since fond companionship is lost to 

me; 
Those tender sympathies — the heart's 
best song, 
Have vanished like the sunlight on the lea ; 
No more for me 
Come sunny smiles — but all is dark upon the 
lea. 

Alone I stand, who late had all of care — 
Of gentle care — expressive kind and true. 




82 SON^GS AND ROMANCES. 

Alone I stand, and miss those hands most fair, 
Which never failed their perfect work to do. 

Alas ! how few 
Can thrill us with a touch like those we've lost 

could do. 

The sad, sad part of life is this : To know 

That from us pass, in our declining years, 
The loved who made all joy to overflow, 
The dear ones that held back the gathering 
tears — 

Suppressing fears 
And banishing the flow — sad flow of sorrow's 
tears. 

So one by one the links of friendship break, 
And one by one our loved ones fade and 
die; — 
Sweet wife, I sorrow here for thy dear sake, 
For thee I feel despair is all too nigh. 
Could we bu b fly ! 
But no ! Fate holds us fast and sorrows come 
too nigh. 

It is so dreary on this lonely road ! 

Yet thou art near, I know. I feel your hand 
Break through the air ! Oh, come from thy 
abode ! 

And tell me something of the Summer Land, 



1 



SOKGS AND EOMANOES. 83 

Dear hand ! dear hand ! 
Guide me or point the way that leads to Sum- 
mer Land! 

Just when we need the buoyancy and bliss, 
The helps which love and friendship always 
give; 
Just when we're grateful in a world like this, 
And learn how beautiful it is to live ! 
Just when we'd give 
All thankfulness of heart for yet awhile to 
live — 

Comes the sad messenger on shadowy wing — 

Throwing a somber sadness over all — 
Hushing the voices that of late did sing 
And stilling the answer to a loved one's call. 

Dear, dear ones all- 
Just when we need you most you're gone 
beyond our call I 

So the sad heart echoes its grief and pain, 

Its heavy sorrow, borne, alas, alone ! 
The old-time joys are called — recalled in vain ; 
They fade away with vanished look or tone. 
The heart's sad moan 
Pierces the drifting clouds up, up, unto the 

Throne. 
Kansas City, Mo., 1898, 



84 SONGS Al^B ROMANCES. 



BEYOND THE CLOUDS. 

(Tribute to the Memory of the Late Mrs. Lily Lord Tiflft.) 

jTpHERE are so many passing every year ! — 
"vH* So much of light withdrawn that 
|.^^ darkness falls; 

-*> So much of joy withdrawn its loss 
appalls, — 
And wraps us in a sad, sad atmosphere. 

Here evils mar the beauty of the day! — 
Bold Death ! why enter where the good and 

true 
"Work daily, hourly, surely to undo 

The evils against which we always pray. 

There was a picture drawn of efforts grand — 
Of Love and Charity and kindly deeds 
That met all comers howe'er great their 
needs, 

And ministered always at Want's command. 

That was but yesterday ! But now, alas ! 
The central figure of the picture's flown — 
We thought to hold it ever as our own, 

But, like a summer cloud, we saw it pass. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 85 

Honored and blessed in her lone widowhood ; — 
So firm of purpose, strong in rightful ways — 
Devoting ail her energies and days, 

In doing all that she could do of good. 

Her life was eloquent — her voice was sweet — 
Her friendship balm to the o'er burdened 

heart ; 
Strange wonders when the loved and trusting 
part, 
Their loss is gain ! Beyond the clouds they 
meet! 
Buffalo, February, 1899. 



MEMORIES OF A MOTHER'S LOVE. 

(Lines on the Death ol Mrs. Louise Newell O'Day.) 

PERFECT life— to duty faithful, 
true; 
The crown of womanhood all glori- 
fied; 

And nothing that her busy hands could do 
Was left undone — and so the mother died 

Amid the blossoms of her home. 
In sweetest bloom, the parent flower died. 




86 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

bearing the confines of the grave, that life 
Might blossom from the shadow and the 
pain, 
The loving parent, friend, and loyal wife — 
So near — cross'd o'er, never to come again, 
Save through the mem'ries of her love, 
We may not see her face and form again. 

All the bright activities — timely care, — 
The helping hand in sorrow's heavy hour; 

The word of sympathy — her gen'rous share 
In kindly deeds ; the spirit and the power, 
Gave to her work a christian grace — 

A light which hallowed most her parting hour. 

Oh ! glorious hope ! Precious Word of God ! 
Oh, faith ! that leads us when the light is 
given; 
We see the pathway that the saints have trod — 
We know that lov'd ones wait for us in 
heaven — 
Watching for friends that linger here— 
Waiting for them in homes prepared in heaven. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 87 



LOVE AND HOPE. 

(Lines on the Death of Mrs. Ida Zeller-Lund.) 

' j I WIFE and mother in a curtained room, 
/^ Where Death and Silence rested for 
1 1\ ^ while, 

y 1 I saw. But could not feel a shock of 
gloom ; 
For, lo ! I fancied I could see a smile 
Rest on the lips and brighten that cold face — 
As oft 'twas seen, in days of happy grace. 

Her joyous soul was speaking through the cold 
And chill of death. Showing the great 
delight 

Her spirit felt, as saints have done of old, 
Passing to Heaven in their sudden flight. 

And on the dear face of that loving wife 

A calm, sweet smile told of the other life. 

Grand and glorious thought ! Love never dies ! 

But cheers us on through many weary days. 
And, oh, that smile ; a message from the skies — 

Quickly the heart reads what that message 
says, 



88 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Ah, Love and Hope shine through that face so 

fair — 
Yes, Love and Hope for those who sorrow 

there. 

Love lived and blossomed to a gorgeous bloom 
And all things bright and fair were with her 

here; 
Sorrows passed and touched not — cares left no 

gloom, 
And threat'ning shadows could arouse no 

fear. 
Her home and child — her husband and her 

friends — 
Gave all of joy and all that joy extends. 

Patient and trusting — strong in Love's decree ; 
Bright'ning the household with a touch 
divine; 
Lifting the burdens that bore heavily 

On those she dearly loved. The deeds that 
shine 
And form a character so sweet and pure 
Give friends the strength to suffer and endure. 
Buffalo, January, 1898. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 89 



M 



SISTER MODESTA. 

PPROACH with reverential step and 
awe 
A bier whereon a lovely form is laid : 
Lovingly come, for in her life she 
saw 
A pathway that the angels sure had made. 
Hope came with her and joy she would renew, 
As those oppressed wept long where sorrow 
lies, — 
Rich in good deeds and pure as morning's dew 
She passed beyond. Look we into the skies, 
Her angel voice will reach us from the skies. 

Sister Modesta ! Ah, she cheered the poor — 
The more than poor, the orphaned waifs of 
fate. 

She went a suppliant from door to door — 
Her work was early and it ended late. 

How many rosaries would it take to count 
The loving deeds of one as weak as she? 

How many hearts inspired by joy to mount 
The heavenly portals and its glories see 
To view the glories which we all may see. 



00 SOKGS AKD ROMANCES. 

Orphans of a city ! Deserted quite ! 

No thoughtful mother watches o'er their 
ways — 
Those little wayward ways, not far from right, 

Yet all too far for strangers e'er to praise. 
Sweet Sister, lying there so cold, so calm. 

Was to those children always kind and true. 
For all their sufferings she had a balm, 

And all their sorrows came for her review — 

Quick she assuaged their sorrows in review. 

Come, let us gaze once more upon her face, 
Sweet face, so bright and joyous too, in 
life;— 

No grief is there — no sorrow can we trace — 
In this deep sleep is closed all mortal strife. 

So ends a life devoted to endure — 
Her work is over in this sleep of rest. 

Farewell, sweet Sister, ever bright and pure, 
Eternal joys await you with the blest, 
A crown of glory waits you with the blest. 
Buffalo, Nov., 1897. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 91 




IN MISSOURI, LONG AGO. 

* HE men of old Missouri ! 
Are hearty, braye and true, 

With sturdy, manly manners, 
And friendship fresh and new; 
Their generous smiles for strangers 
Are kind when luck is low — 
This is what I learned of men 
In Missouri, long ago. 

Kentucky gave her gen'rous men — 

Virginia's sons are there — 
While Eastern men have sought the State 

Its enterprise to share ; 
And Louisiana, from the Gulf, 

Sent traders there, you know 
And Mississippi bartered free — 

In Missouri, long ago. 

Ah, friends of old Missouri, 

IVe known your sturdy ways; 
Your friendship is a memory 

I cherish and I praise. 



92 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

I've known you to defend the truth 

Your sense of right to show, 
When upright ways were battled for — 

In Missouri, long ago. 

And friends of Kansas City, 

I mourn with you today, 
The loss of Col. Gaston, 

Dead at Nauheim, far away. 
True to your soil, he cherished 

All loving traits. And so 
His last thoughts were of friendships made- 

In Missouri, long ago. 

So kind and gentle always — 

Hopeful, manly, brave — 
His words were ever ready 

As his hand to lift and save. 
For he felt the worth of manhood, 

And taught it, this I know, 
For I knew him, and I loved him — 

In Missouri, long ago. 

Buffalo, August, 1899. 



SOXGS AND BOMANCES. 93 



IN MEMORY OF "FARMER BAKER." 

E LOVED mankind, and hope was in 
his song; 



His words came to us full of joyous 

cheer ; 

The chords he touched will vibrate all 
along 
Our pathway, howe'er long we loiter here. 

Prompt to respond, he gave a brother's hand ; 

He strengthened many weary hearts in subtle 
ways, 
Bewitchingly he waved a poet's wand, 

And soothingly he sang his welcome lays. 
And he who sang so cheerily and free 

Has left a legacy of good behind, 
So may his epitaph, when written, be : 

He gave a brother's hand ; he loved mankind. 

Buffalo, February, 1898. 



94 SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 



THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS. 

(When tlie boat's crew of the warship Brooklyn, after 
securing the standard compass from the wreck of the 
Infanta Maria Teresa, the flagship of Admiral Cervera, 
presented the rescued marine guide to Commodore Schley. 
That noted sea commander said with a trembling voice: 
"I am much obliged to you, but the great credit of that 
victory belongs to you, boys — the men behind the guns. 
Without you no laurels would come to our country.") 



■* HE thunders of that Sabbath morn — 
That morn so bright, so calm, so 

fair— 
Told that the Spanish ships, in scorn. 
Had come, like bloodhounds, from their lair ; 
And Sampson's men, Columbia's sons, 
Sprang, rallying there, behind the guns. 

On, on, they come! Determined foe! — 
One chance for freedom on the seas — 

They strive to give us blow for blow, 
But two for one we give with ease, 

And thundering where Teresa runs, 

Our seamen stand behind the guns! 

New York, the flagship, where was she? — 
Look eastward! Ah, she's miles away; 



SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 95 

But Sampson reads the signal free — 

From ships now rushing to the fray — 
"The foe escapes!" But noble ones 
Are ready there behind the guns! 

And quickly now the words go back, 

In answer to the signal there ; 
*' Close on the enemy-attack!" 

And cannon's voices fill the air. 
For men die fast when hot blood runs — 
And freemen stand behind the guns ! 

Impatient, Sampson views the gleam 
Of burning ships in deadly line ; 

His heart throbs faster than the steam 
Forced on by furnace glow and shine. 

And all around war's noble sons 

Stand grim and fierce behind the guns ! 

Schley, on the Brooklyn, giving blows, 
That made the foemen faint and reel, 

Knew, as every brave man knows, 
What joy of heart would Sampson feel 

Could he be with the foremost sons 

Who fought and stood behind the guns! 

The Spanish ships along the shore. 

Burned by fire and smashed by shell. 
Are blackened pyres and nothing more— 



96 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Yet some are dying where they fell. 
Brave but misguided Spanish sons, 
You lost when freemen manned the guns ! 

And while our warships plow the seas, 
And valor holds its glorious sway ; 

And while ''Old Glory'* feels the breeze, 
That wafts brave ^thoughts back o'er the 
way— 

The Nation's safe when freedom's sons 

Stand man to man behind the guns ! 
Buffalo, July, 1898. 



WHEN JOHNNY GETS HIS GUN, 



W' 



'HEN Johnny gets his gun, look out, 
There's bound to be a fuss. 
For Johnny is in earnest when 
He holds his ''blunderbuss!' 
His martial air is wonderful ; 
His smile upsets all fun. 
And things assume a warlike air, 
When Johnny gets his gun ! 

In softer moods our John is calm — 
He's sportive, gay and good, 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 97 

And acts with much propriety — 

A freeman always should ! 
When yachting he will never *4oad" 

His vessel on the run, 
But saves his efforts till the time 

He wants to *'load" his gun. 

He's sturdy on the baseball field, 

And football plays with vim ; 
In *' cricket," too, he doth excel 

All sports a-field suit him. 
But in the battle van, for right. 

He makes the foemen run, 
And, oh, the triumph of that hour 

When Johnny gets his gun ! 

In wild adventure John delights, 

He loves to travel, too. 
And, when exploring, always keeps 

The North Pole up to view! 
And, as for loving Liberty — 

He's freedom's honest son! 
And down will go its enemies. 

When Johnny gets his gun ! 

He fought the Spaniards — vanquished 
them. 
With vigor and dispatch, 



98 SONGS AND ROMAKCBS. 

And fought the Filipinos — when 
These sprinters he could catch. 

But there is Aguinaldi, sure, 
He's always on the run, 

And keeps ahead of bullets since 
Our Johnny's got his gun! 



SO SPLENDID ON PARADE. 

'M a soldier I I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier 
'jil of the Guards, 

I parade and drill, parade and drill, and 

frolic with my pards. 
And as we march along the streets, **Eyes 
right!" the captains call, 
And all our eyes, their glances right, on pretty 
maidens fall. 

I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier of 

the line, 
In drilling we're proficient — we're proficient, 

tall and fine. 
And at our balls and parties we are nimble on 

our feet, 
At **right and left" and **forward all" you'll 

find us quite complete I 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 99 

I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier 

tried and true ; 
My regimental suit — my suit is always bright 

and new. 
My military air is sucli I'm termed an '* upper 

grade;" 
But people say I'm fit for war — so splendid on 

parade ! 

I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier! I'm a soldier of 

the Guards, 
In battle, yes, in battle, I will line up with my 

pards. 
And though we love to dance, parade and 

court the lovely girls. 
You'll find us rallying quickly when our battle 

flag unfurls ! 



THE BRAVE ONES LEFT BEHIND. 

THE drums are beating and the Guards 
are marching down the street. 
The banner, bright and new, is held 
aloft for all to greet, 
And, as the band begins to play some stirring, 
martial air, 



100 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Joy seems to rule the hour then, and all seems 

bright and fair. 
That swinging march of soldiers as they pass in 

steady line 
Tells of a dauntless spirit and a courage true 

and fine ; 
That eager look, that cheerful smile, betoken 

valor grand, 
And all are proud defenders of freedom's 

glorious land. 

Is there a sign of sadness viewed in all that 

moving throng? 
Is there a grief that does not to that martial 

scene belong? 
la there no weeping mother and no wife with 

tears that blind — 
No little ones, all lonely, too, with those now 

left behind? 

Sad scenes of parting do not come beneath a 

stranger's gaze — 
Within the home a fond embrace — a kiss — a 

word of praise, 
And then the tears resistlessly from loving eyes 

must flow. 
With words impassioned from the heart, *'How 

can I let you go?" 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 101 

There's courage on the battlefield, amid the 

clash and roar ; 
There's courage on the armored ship — on ocean 

and on shore ; 
But when the brave ones of the war are 'listed 

can you find, 
No names of those who bravely weep in sorrow, 

left behind? 
Buffalo, May 13, 1898. 



A SHRINE WHERE VOWS ARE MADE 

\ 



yHE *'boys" are ready for the fun, 

4s The powder has been passed around. 



And now, 'tis told, the last big gun 
In its embrasure may be found. 
The sea brings back the shouts of men 

Who've gone to man Columbia's boats; 
The rock-bound coast resounds, and then 
High over all Old Glory floats. 

If to the world the word is said 

The Maine by treachery went down. 

That those brave lads who now are dead, 
Perished 'neath Hate's revengeful frown, 

Each man, each gun, each saber there, 



102 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

MoYed and aroused by martial notes, 
Will brave malignant Cuba's air. 

And strike where grand Old Glory floats. 

That sacred wreck will be to those 

Who to Havana's port will sail 
A beacon light a sailor knows 

Who seeks safe shelter from the gale. 
'Twill be a shrine where vows are made, 

That those who kill in friendly boats 
Must fall by Freedom's flashing blade. 

Wherever Freedom's banner floats. 

Buffalo, March, 1898. 




THE NURSE OF THE VOLUNTEERS. 

HE had tended the soldiers by flicker- 
ing lamp, 
Through the weary watches of night ; 
She had waited with patience the stir 
of the camp. 
And the dawn of the morning's light, 
And the roar of the cannon, the distant shout. 

The crash of the shot and the shell, 
All told of the enemy's charge and his rout — 
And oh, of the dead as well. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 103 

And the nurse who is fragile, weary and worn, 

Who soothed in a womanly way, 
Now prayed in the glow of another morn 

For the strength for another day. 
She prayed for the soldier now racked with 
pain, 

And the one with the fever's fires; 
For the helpless men who never again 

Would behold their village spires. 

Physicians will tell how grandly she worked, 

Of her calmness all free from fear. 
Of her bravery, too, where the dangers lurked, 

'Mid the fever's deadly career. 
Gallant ones, give them tribute that's due — 

Admiring the spirit to save ; 
Defend and protect, and honor them, too. 

The nurses who tended the brave ! 

Buffalo, December, 1898. 

DEWEY, COME THIS WAY. 







H, DEWEY, true, is coming ! 

There's a mighty lot of drumming — 
From along the seacoast front is sent 
a murmur of the sea ! 
It riseth and it falleth, 



104 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

From every point it calleth — 
'*0h, Dewey! Dewey! Dewey! do come hither 
unto me!" 

From San Francisco City, 
There comes the soulful ditty — 
You can hear it on the levee and far out 
upon the bay ; 
They're frantic in their gestures, 
They're wild in their investures — 
For it's "Dewey ! Dewey ! Dewey ! when you're 
coming, come this way!" 

In Boston town, 'tis curious, 
The people there grow furious — 
Grow curious and furious raising there a pretty 
muss; 
The school marms they are in it. 
They sing each passing minute 
**Now, Dewey! Dewey! Dewey! oh, do come 
and visit us!" 

From Baltimore, the gracious, 
Philadelphia, the tenacious. 
And Charlestown, where the Raleigh scraped 
her keel the other day; 
From ev'ry town and village 
Where pirate crafts could pillage, — 
It is "Dewey! Dewey! Dewey! oh, we pray 
you come this way!" 



* 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 105 

New York looks on serenely — 
Her smiles are quaint and queenly — 
While she gazes o'er the waters like a goddess 
fair and free, 
Columbia's torch is burning 
For Dewey's safe returning, 
And thy tomb, oh. Grant, the hero, a hero 
first should see ! 
Buffalo, May, 1899. 



ra 



VERY MUCH TO DO. 

OW, really. Uncle Samuel, 
You've very much to do. 
As the protocols' accepted 

And peace is now in view. 
There's the smoothing of the ruffles 
That has caused such discontent. 
And the shaking off of bother, 
And restoring calm intent. 

You must educate the Cubans, 

The Spaniards tolerate ; 
You must feed the concentrados. 

Teach love instead of hate, 



106 SON"GS AiTD KOMANCES. 

You must sugar-coat the grumbling, 
You must pacify complaints, 

And praise the pictures painted 
While disliking him who paints. 

You must teach those crabs of Cuba 

To crawl and make no noise ; 
You must clean the filthy cities, 

And build where man destroys. 
You must hold the speculators 

In firm and steady check; 
You must calm the over zealous. 

And save the spoils of wreck. 

You must tell the politicians 

That peace must now restore 
The tangled web of policies 

With dreams of wealth galore. 
Now, really, Uncle Samuel 

You've very much to do, 
Since the protocol's accepted 

And peace is now in view. 



SOI^GS AND ROMANCES. 107 




SIGSBEE SAW THE LIGHT. 

*HE Spanish fleet is bottled, 

And the cork is jammed down 
tight— 
There's nothing left for us to do 
But 

Fight! 

Fight! 

Fight! 

The troops for Cuba hurry, 

Their steps are quick and light, 
Ah, mind you, they're in earnest and — 
Will 

Fight! 

Fight! 



Fight: 



At Santiago Sigsbee saw 

A longed-for pretty sight, 
He told the fleet, and one and all 
Said- 
Fight! 

Fight! 



Fight! 



108 SOIfGS AND ROMANCES. 







A CONTROVERSY IN RHYME. 

ON THE SEABOARD, NEAR THE SOUND. 

N THE seaboard, near the Sound — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 
Our flag we'll rally round — 

Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 
**Eicelsior" floating high — 
We will strive to do or die, 
While the Dons are hov'ring nigh — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 

Sons of freemen ! Fly to save — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 

While the foemen rant and rave — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 

Give us bayonets, give us guns. 

And the rallying of your sons 

Will be swift as water runs — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 

Gen. Miles says of your coast — 
Oh, New Yovkl Oh, New York! 

**It*s defenseless!'* This our boast — 
Oh, New York! Oh, New York! 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 109 

Our arms your bulwarks are, 
And no foe from lands afar 
Your beauteous front shall mar, 

Oh, New York ! Oh, New York ! 

Buffalo, February 23, 1898. 



IN THE CITY BY THE LAKE. 

In the city by the lake — 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 
One brave mortal is awake — 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 
Waving freedom's flag on high. 
With a wild light in his eye. 
Hear him shout the battle cry ! 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 

Sons of freemen ! Give him guns- 
Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 
Give him bayonets and buns — 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 
Rally to his battle call, 
Follow after, one and all, 
Till the last armed Don shall fall- 
Buffalo! 0, Buffalo. 

Mr. **S." says: '^Fly to save !'' 
Buffalo! 0, Buffalo I 



110 SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 

** While the foemen rant and rave" — 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 
With our guns beneath our wings, 
And our swords tied on with strings, 
We are flying while he sings — 

Buffalo! 0, Buffalo! 

J. Wiley Owen. 

South Wales, N. Y., Feb. 26, 1898. 



A poet's flight. 

Wiley Owen flies to save. 

And bears his gun beneath his wings ; 
He goes, a birdling, bold and brave. 

And ties his sword with cotton strings. 
Brave youth ! South Wales will see you fly, 

With shouts that cheer and words most gay ; 
We'll meet in Cuba, you and I — 

Be sure you do not miss the way ! 

For I'm afraid your angel wings 

Will be impeded as you go; 
And swords secured by cotton strings 

Are not secure enough, you know. 
But try it! And I'll watch your flight, 

All ready for the foe or fun ; 
And, if you get there, day or night, 

I'll see you'll get the Aforesaid bun! 



I 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. Ill 



TO A FELLOW WARRIOR. 

I remember, I remember, just before the war 
begun, 
Of a man who said in Cuba he would meet 
me; 
He promised when he met me he would treat 
me to a bun, 
And he rather intimated he would beat me. 
Fighting Spaniards on the island, if it ever 
comes to war. 
Well, the war has come and gone, which 
you're aware of: 
But we didn't meet in Cuba, Mr. *'S" and I, 
for 
We stayed at home, and that's the reason 
thereof. 

But I did my share of fighting, for I sunk 
Montejo'a ships 
In two hundred dactyl feet of flowing 
rhythm ; 
And with irony had I twisted slender similes 
into whips, 
And lashed the bloomin' bay to frenzy with 
'em. 
I hurled huge semi-colons and periods galore 
Against the solid walls of old Cavite ; 



112 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 

And I blew the forts to atoms with a crazy 
metaphor 
And hyperboles and visions rather flighty. 

With many a dash I led the muse on famous 
San Juan, 
And sent the Spaniards crying for their 
mammas ; 
I hacked and stabbed and slashed the bloomin* 
coward Dons who ran, 
With sharp-edged exclamation points and 
commas ; 
I safely penned Cerera's fleet in Santiago bay, 

And when he tried to cut his little caper, 
I chased him on iambic feet and flayed him on 
the way, 
And spread the wreck on seven sheets of 
paper. 

Mr. **S." what have you done while the boys 
have been away? 
I haven't noticed any of your fighting; 
Now won't you point your pencil at the Philip- 
pines some day? 
And just be kind o' careful of your sighting; 
Load it full of mental bomb shells that will 
carry 'cross the sea, 
And fire a ringin' volley at the heathen ; 



SOKGS AliTD ROMAKCES. 113 

If you hit the mark, the native (mark my 
point) will turn and flee, 
And you'll be right in (writin') lines along 
with me then. 

There is trouble in the Philippines, the heathen 
"rant and rage;" 
In the jingle they are hiding, lurking, fight- 
ing; 
I have hurled at them hyperboles from many a 
rhyme-bored page, 
But they're flying Spanish-wild at present 
writing. 
So hasten, "fly to save," with your rhyme- 
wings soaring high ; 
Let your word-edged saber through the 
heathen tingle ; 
And we'll just divide that promised bun in 
Buffalo by and by. 
If the editor don't slay me for my jingle. 

J. Wiley Owek. 



BOMBS THAT DID NOT KILL. 

J. Wiley Owen — while you write of men 
Your points seem touched with a too pointed 

pen. 
How could I ever in my quiet way 
Hope to match you when you begin to slay ! 



114 SOiq-GS Al^D ROMAN'CES. 

The Spanish fleet went down! Who wonders 

here? 
Your rhymes were ready and your dashes clear : 
No one could doubt the issue when he saw 
Your verse, in punctuation, showed no flaw ; 
Your victory in similes was so plain 
That doubt was only in the number slain ! 

I did not go to Cuba! That is true! 
And so, you say, the same is told of you. 
I cheered the boys along, as best I could. 
I knew they and their record would be good — 
And then I turned, with feelings true and 

kind. 
To try and cheer the girls they left behind ! 
While you, more bold, subdued your agitation. 
And won hard battles — in imagination. 

But I have fired persistently each day 
Since gentle peace went outward and away ; 
Have aimed at enemies on every side 
And those at home who seemed so full of pride. 
But mental bombs kill not across the sea 
And so my graveyards do not bother me. 

Ah, let the Filipinos **rant and rage," 
The boys in blue will stick like mucilage ! 
I've joiaed the phalanx that must find relief 



SONGS AN'D KOMANCES. 115 

From all thy evils, ''Refrigerated Beef 

The army boys have failed to "keep you 

down,** 
And could not hold you till they cooked you 

brown. 

They tried persuasion. Ah, you would not stay, 
But crawled in many forms to get away ! 
And soon the cooks declared they liked you 

most 
When they could see you dripping in a 

''roast!'* 
Embalming showed that "skippers" found the 

life 
That followed death from stroke of packer *s 

knife ! 

And foul disease arrested not the sale 
Of meat whose odors mingled with the gale, 
And thus it was until the packer's art 
Revealed a point that pleased the packer*s 

heart ! 
And so, dear Wiley, you shall have the bun. 
And still I'm owin' something for the fun; 
But where your bold iambic feet may stray 
I'll "fly to save" your metaphors at bay! 
Buffalo, March, 1899. 



116 SONGS AKD EOMANCES. 



I WANT TO GO FISHING TODAY. 

' I J ^HERE'S a languorous feeling and sultry 

] ^ air, 

^ In office and store and street; 

■ ^ There's a longing for shores where the 
winds are fair, 

And cooling sands for the feet. 
There's the swish of the waves and the splash 
of the oars. 

The sound of a distant call ; 
There's the far-away cloud that gently soars, 

And the blue that covers all. 
And, oh, as I look from my window high, 

And watch the clouds at play. 
There comes from my heart such a rising sigh — 

I want to go fishing today. 

I strive to banish the thought of a line 
That leads to the lair of the bass ; 

I think of the dangers that may be mine, 
Ere the island's head I pass 

But, oh, that bare-footed boy that comes 
With his rod, has stirred me again 

And I sing once more the song that he hums, 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 117 

And I long to be in his train. 
For memory launched a silvery boat 

On a sea that is bright and gay — 
The happiest man I would be afloat, 

Could I but go fishing today. 

Buffalo, June, 1899. 



THE DREAD CANADIAN FLY. 

THERE is a time in summer days 
When river streams are warm and 
nice, 
When sunlight on the water plays, 
And all the joys of shores entice — 
At such a time, when clouds go by. 
Comes here the dread Canadian fly. 

Crush them! And a million more 
Come floating in from everywhere; 

Like ghosts from off a viewless shore — 
They flutter, fall, then disappear, 

And every footfall, passing by. 

Leaves there the dead Canadian fly. 



118 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

What shades the lamps? Ah, do not ask 
Of those who live in Buffalo town. 

What darkens windows? See the mask 
Of flies that come and nestle down. 

The gossips tell, with long-drawn sigh, 

It is the dread Canadian fly ! 

** Exterminate!" You can't. Ah, no. 

Strange is their entrance — exit, too, 
You cannot see them come or go — 

They're here, and that alone is true! 
Do what you will — all methods try — 
Still comes the dread Canadian fly. 

They thought to train the fish to kill 
The eggs ! But fish cannot be led ; 

They thought that lights would lure. They 
will! 
But only when their wings are spread ! 

And other methods they would try 

To hive the dread Canadian fly ! 

Some thought of nets ! Imprison them ! 

They come and go at their sweet will ! 
De Barry's power can never stem 

These contract workers without skill ! 
And now thy site, old Front, must die, 
Because of thee — Canadian fly ! 



SONGS Al^D ROMANCES. 119 

Canadians guard their fish and game — 
Their Klondike claims — so strange, so new — 

Now let them treat these pests the same, 
And frame their laws to keep them, too! 

Then will our summer days pass by 

Free from the dread Canadian fly! 
Buffalo, April, 1899. 




LILIUOKALANI AT THE FALLS. 

IL-I-U-O-KA-LA-NI looked at the falls 
and smiled. 
For an instant roaring waters all her 

senses there beguiled ; 
And the crowns of all the princes in 
the world seemed rushing by, 
As the mists of falling waters, rolling upward, 
met the sky! 

Lil-i-u-o-ka-la-ni saw the crown of her loved 

isle. 
It was the last that passed, and that's what 

caused that queenly smile — 
To think that such a vision should be called at 

such a time, 



120 SONGS AND ROMAKCES. 

When hearts are awed and humbled amid 
scenes the most sublime! 

Lil-i-u-o-ka-la-ni called her maid close to her 

side, 
And to a question that she asked that anxious 

maid replied ; 
But, ah, no answer could be heard amid the 

roar and rumble — 
And Lil remarked: "Oh, what a place for 

crowns to take a tumble!" 

And as the foaming waters ran along its narrow 
bed, 

Queen Lil watched close the eddies and again 
she smiling, said : 

*' Magnificent and great are these, the huge and 
fallen rocks. 

But there's the ^pooP to * water' all the bank- 
rupt royal stocks!" 

Lil-i-u-o-ka-la-ni was so Jocose all that day. 

That when a rainbow's colors could be seen 
amid the spray, 

She said, as arched that rainbow o'er the mist- 
drops falling down : 

"The promise of the rainbow is I'll win 
Hawaii's crown!" 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 121 

But as the rainbow melted there while gazed 

Hawaii's queen, 
She seemed more gay than sad the while as all 

looked on the scene ; 
And then she said: '*Ah, well a-day, my hope 

seems almost over; 
ril paint the broken bow and send one-half of 

it to Grover!" 
Buffalo, January, 1897. 



THE MAN WITH HIS HAT IN HIS 
HAND." 



[Suggested by reading Clark Howell's speech delivered in 
Buflfalo on December 21, 1899.] 



a 



^COVERED his head!— his hat in his 
hand! 
He leans 'gainst a tree near the 
wood, 

While memory recalls where legions 
had formed, 
Where men of the Southland stood. 



122 SOKGS AKD ROMAKCES. 

Scenes of the past and hopes that had been 

Inspiring thoughts long ago 
Passed like the red of the cannon's dread 
mouth, 

And the battlefieJd's crimson flow. 

For here was a scene of another kind, — 
In the glow when the day was done, 

Those shadowy forms in battle array. 
Had changed with the setting sun. 

He offered his life for his Southland then 1 
Fought true to the cause and vow, 

And gives with a prayer — his hat in his hand, 
His son to the Nation now. 

And the brightest gleam of that sunset eve 

Streamed over the men at drill, 
And the Southland boy in his coat of blue 

And the man by the tree so still. 

Statue heroic and figure of truth ! — 

So noble and great and grand, 
You give to us here a picture that tells 

The glory of all the land ! 

Repeating the song of freedom anew. 
You hear from the earth and trees 

The Voice of Faith which patriots heard 
When Our Flag first felt the breeze. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 123 

And the vision that comes in the twilight there, 
Is seen through the word of command, 

As the troops mark time with the heart of 
him — 

The man with his hat in his hand ! 
Buffalo, January, 1900. 



DO NOT WAIT FOR DOGS TO BITE. 

' "^r^RAY, do not wait for dogs to bite 
:^ 1 To prove that dogs are mad ! — 
Q^ Is a trite and homely maxim. 
With sense that is not bad. 
But every day some person stands 
Contending that he's right — 
That rabid dogs cannot be known 
Until they really bite I 

And men will, in a dogged way, 

Refuse the law's restraint. 
And if they're asked to muzzle dogs 

They wail a loud complaint. 
It takes so much convincing and 

Such proof that truth's no fad. 
That men will wait for dogs to bite 

To prove that dogs are mad ! 



124 SOKGS AND EOMANCES. 

Yes, Dryden once profoundly said, 

Discarding thoughts of cure ; 
**In being mad, the madmen know. 

There is a pleasure sure!" 
And Goldsmith wrote about a dog 

And pique that once began 
Between the mongrel, whelp or hound, 

And friend, a Christian man ! 

The dog to gain his private ends 

Went mad, and bit the hand 
Of that old friend who kindly spoke, 

But never to command. 
And now, to show how wondrously 

Are canine plans defiled — 
"The man recovered of the bite; 

The dog it was that died!'* 

But this is not a common case ; — 

It only goes to show 
The fate that waits upon the dog 

That bites a friend, you know. 
And those who plan to save from harm 

And keep the households glad. 
Say: **Do not wait for dogs to bite 

To prove that dogs go mad ! ' ' 

Buffalo, October, 1899. 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 125 



\ 



THE CHARITY BALL. 

"j^HEY laughed and they danced the 
^ merry night through, 

And they danced till the day was 
dawning ; 

And they laughed till the sky showed its 
ruffles of blue, 
And a light in the East showed the morning. 

Dame Rumor was there with a sneer on her 

lip- 

She was jealous of joy that was hearty, 
She whispered a word, just to give them a tip, 
And watched its effect on the party. 

The word sped along and next day o'er the 
town 
Consternation and wonder were blending ; 
Dame Rumor passed on with the self-same 
frown, 
And rejoiced that joy had an ending. 

Dame Rumor was busy last year just the same — 
What a fearful old jade she is, truly— 



126 SON"GS AN^D EOMANCES. 

She cares not what scorn may attach to her 
name — 
In fact, she is always unruly ! 

At a Charity Ball meek Charity should 
Make brighter the glow of the tapers, 

And there Old Dame Rumor (if only she 
would), 
Should stop kicking up her vile capers ! 
Buffalo, January 2, 1897. 



t 



ONE OF THE CITY'S POOR. 

[A Picture from the Charity Distribution of the News.] 

E wouldn't support his family, 
He just idled ev'ry day, 
And what he did no one could tell — 
He never had much to say. 
He'd shuffle round and his movements. 

Told of a lingering doubt — 
Whether he should when out go in, 
Or whether when in go out ! 

But, if you wanted to find him, 
And he was not then in sight. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 127 

You never could fail to see him 

At a beer saloon at night. 
Not that he ever was tipsy, 

Or staggering about, you know; 
But only a little muddled, 

From a *'treater's" overflow! 

He never had dimes for spending, 

And his '* score" was lost lang syne. 
For no one would trust a ** shiftless," 

Once caught on the *Hreater's" line! 
And so he shuflled and ambled, 

And loitered away his time — 
He wasn't really a criminal, 

But lived on the edge of crime ! 

*'His home?" Ah, here is a tender 

Tale of a love divine I 
**His wife?" A woman who married 

A lover below her line. 
And the lover spent her fortune. 

In his careless sort of way — 
Till wife and poverty, face to face, 

Greeted each other one day ! 

She never complained ! Devotion 

Sat on her brow a seal. 
Her lover was still her lover. 

She was his for woe or weal, 



128 SONGS AKD ROMAKCES. 

Though reared in the lap of fortune, 
With delicate form and hands, 

She learned to work for her children— 
The tenderest of demands ! 

Ah, there in the line of claimants 

For the charity of the town, 
That noble woman is waiting 

With modest eyes cast down. 
At length she's caught in the surging- 

She is forced to the open door — 
And humbly she asks, and tells them, 

She's one of the city's poor! 

Buffalo, February, 1897. 



IF THE WIND DON'T BLOW. 

[At the Junction of Niagara Street and Main.] 

WE came down town one morning in a 
light and gleesome mood. 
His overcoat unbuttoned and no 
gloves uponhis hands. 
On Main street he was quizzical, but never, 
never rude — 
At Niagara street he lingered wjiere the Erie 
Bank ^ow stands. 



SOITGS AN^D ROMAN"CES. 129 

His teeth began to chatter, 

His hat flew down the street, 
He made a grab — a clatter — 

'Gainst those he chanced to meet. 
His coat he buttoned fiercely. 

And he muttered amid the snow: 
**Ah, never mind the weather 

If the wind don't blow!" 

She was lovely in her beauty, the next one that 
came near. 
She knew of ''Love and Duty" and she 
walked with little fear; 
Her hat appeared so jaunty — on her forehead 
fell a curl, 
And a loosely folded scarf was on the neck 
of that sweet girl. 

But then the wind came whistling 

With a fearful sweep and swirl, 
I saw that maiden blushing 

As she smoothed that flying curl; 
And then, a little further on. 

She said amid the snow : 
**Ah, never mind the weather 

If the wind don't blow!" 

Buffalo, February 5, 1895, 



130 SONGS AlfD KOMAN"CES. 



THE NEW GRAND ISLAND BRIDGE. 

WELCOME! Thrice welcome! Con- 
gressmen and friends ! 
All Buffalo with hearty hands a 
hearty shake extends! 
This city, Queen of Lakes, 'tis true is cold in 

winter's snow, 
But warm the greetng is to those **Put off at 
Buffalo!" 

We'd rather you had come when spring or 

summer blooms were on. 
For really then this city is most fair to look 

upon. 
But river, lake and lawn have charms the 

winter's frost might pass, 
For warmth of friendship is not marked by 

mercury in the glass! 

The river, when the sun is warm and softer 

breezes play, 
Is sure to tempt the anglers forth, those idlers 

of a day. 



SOKGS AND ROMAISTCES. 131 

But as the spring is some weeks off, with all 

her stores of wiles, 
We'll still rejoice as best we may and * 'bridge'* 

the time with smiles ! 

We've much to show you, Congressmen, while 

you may linger near. 
But *' steering committees" are not professional 

out here. 
Yet, as the men who've charge of things are 

men of heart and soul. 
They'll prove to be proficient in ** Committee 

of the Whole," 

But here are elevators grand and railways, too, 

galore. 
And here's the gateway for the grain that from 

the West doth pour, 
And here's the mouth of that canal that bears 

its commerce free, 
Which some contend is yet to float the ships 

that pass at sea ! 

And here's the mighty river famed in history 

and song — 
You should see it in the summer time and hear 

it swish along, 
And there's the Island just below, asleep in 

solitude, 



132 SOJS'GS AKD KOMANOES. 

Where Trade has said: ** Awake! Awake! I 
hope I don't intrude!" 

But here I leave the party, to return o'er field 

and ridge, 
While others tell the story of the new Grand 

Island Bridge. 
Buffalo, February 4, 1898. 



THE SPARROW AND THE ROBIN. 

THE birds are hastening forward — 
They are seen on lawn and tree ; 
The robin and the bluebird, 
The swallow flying free. 
They skim along the meadows, 
They pause in trees abloom. 
They skip upon the growing grass. 
And hide in forest gloom. 

They haste to haunts they know so well, 

Scare waiting to take rest ; 
They wing their flight and anxiously 

They seek the old home-nest. 



SONGS AKD ROMANCES. 133 

A Robin to a Sparrow said : 

**Why do you linger here 
Amid the snows and bitter storms, 

And hunger, all the year? 

**Why don't you seek the warmer climes, 
Where softer blows the wind ; 

Where food is plenty, and the sun 
Shines gentle, warm and kind?" 

The busy Sparrow paused awhile, 
Then said: ** Romantic friend. 

Your questions interest me so 
A willing ear I lend. 

'*Here is my home. I love it, and 

I cannot go away ; 
These neighbors and their children are 

My care from day to day. 

"My wants are few. I do not long 

For joy that travel lends ; 
I only care to live and die 

At home and with my friends. 

"These children that you see about, 
I guard them playing there ; 

This home, this garden, lawn and trees. 
Are mine for watchful care. 



134 SOIs^GS AHD ROMANCES. 

*'What need I more? The porch or eave, 

The chimney, barn and all, 
Protect me, and there's One who sees 

The sparrow in its fall." 

Buffalo, May, 1895. 



} 



A NIGHT AT THE PLAY. 

HAD taken an orchestra seat 

At the Star on a Thursday night. 
And the rustle of gowns, and noisy feet. 
Were about me from left to right. 



The ushers were busy as bees. 

And swiftly flew through the aisles. 

There was bustle, and oh, there was "squeeze," 
There was pouting and then there were 
smiles. 

All the seats were filled but the two 
Just in front of me, and I'm sure 

That my queries that night were not few 
As I sat there and felt so demure. 

I wondered who would come in 
And sit in that forward seat. 



SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 135 

If a man or woman? The din 

Of the orchestra stopped my conceit. 

A rustle ! The usher was there I 
And into that seat slipped a girl, 

Young and beautiful? Yes! She was fair; 
And her hat put my head in a whirl! 

The feathers were three! Large and black! 

A funeral pall for my eyes! 
And just when my heart felt the rack, 

That girl gave to me a surprise ! 

She gracefully pulled out a pin! 

Another I The hat fell away ! 
Oh, fancy the joy I was in 

When the curtain went up for the play! 




THE SNOW WHITE CRADLES. 

EE the cradles, snow white cradles! Oh, 
what thoughts they bring to all. 
Of the gleaming, dreaming, scream- 
ing days— those days beyond 
recall. 



136 SON"GS AND ROMANCES. 

In that season, without reason, we could romp 

in wondrous ways 
Through the daytime and the playtime of those 

cherished childhood days. 

See the cradles, snow white cradles! Telling 

more than ours did; 
There is meaning in their gleaming, there's a 

secret in them hid : 
There are holy gifts, though lowly gifts within 

the painted toys, 
Kock them slowly, slowly, slowly, they are 

freighted with great joys! 

See the cradles, snow white cradles ! They are 
scattered o'er the town: 

They delight to thus invite you to call a bless- 
ing down ; 

There are children poor near every door who 
long for just a chance 

To see the play of waves — a ray of sunshine on 
them dance. 

See the cradles, snow white cradles! Kock 

them tenderly and true ; 
The little ones are waiting for a lullaby from 

you! 
When the breeze is softly blowing, their hearts 

are keeping time 



SONGS Al^^D EOMAKCES. 137 

To the music of the waters on the shores that's 
called Sublime! 



Along the rippling river sails a boat with ban- 
ners free, 

And laughter follows after— shouts ring out in 
hopeful glee! 

She proudly floats out where the boats go 
swiftly o'er the tide, 

And dancing, joy enhancing waves sport by 
the vessel's side ! 
Buffalo, June, 1895. 



FORGET IT NOT. 

OIL the river water! Keep it 
Always boiling — always hot. 
Take a little tea and steep it. 

Ah, my friends, forget it not ; 
For they say in river water 
Microbes play all in the raw, 
Dangerous for your son and daughter, 
Parents, and your ma-in-law. 




138 SOKGS AKD ROMANCES. 

Boil the river water ! Prudence 

Is the law we must obey, 
And the microbe in exudance 

Can no longer with us stay ! 
See the ills : There*s fevers various 

And diphtheria! Ills that grow — 
Making life in town precarious, 

Ah, be ever cautious ! So — 

Boil the river water. Keep it 
Always boiling — always hot ! 

Take a little tea and steep it — 
Or something else! Forget it not! 



T 



THE DAYS OF TRUSTS. 

HE days of trusts have come, they're 
here! 
The list is growing fast ! 
The puzzle is to make a choice 
Of those now rushing past ! 



The thread combine can't tangle you, 

Say leaders on that line; 
The marble trust has buoyant power, 

The 'lectric trust must shine ! 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 139 

The syndicates in Cuba now 

Are setting people wild, — 
The railroad and tobacco trusts 

Are not so very mild I 

And there's a host of New York men, 

Who love with trusts to play, 
Are forming now a trust canal 

In Nic-a-rau-gu-a ! 

The auto-truck's the scheme that takes- 
It grows and grows each minute ! 

One hundred million capital — 
And all the boys are in it ! 
Buffalo, January, 1899. 



LILY'S HOME FROM SCHOOL. 







UK little Lily's home from school, 
A **sick leave" calls for rest; 
And all the household seems so strange 

With gloom so manifest. 
But Lily's case, when diagnosed. 
Is overload of books — 
She carries them to school each morn 
Which nurtures pallid looks. 



140 SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 

They are too heavy for the child, 

Now scarcely eight years old, 
And so her drooping looks and eyes 

Show lessons manifold. 
She is a little, nervous thing, 

With many gentle ways — 
So radiant in the joys of life. 

So happy in her plays. 

Her mode of life has always brought 

Contentment to her friends — 
A sweetness, like the rose that to 

The shaded lawn extends. 
Her winsome ways, her childish fears, 

Her anxious wish to learn. 
Have mastered by her childhood's charm 

All complications stern. 

But now, o'erburdened and oppressed, 

Our Lily droops and fades. 
Till rest, that potent comforter. 

Will draw aside the shades; 
And, yet, our Lily, like the one 

Obeying Nature's rule. 
Will soon revive through gentle care, 

And once more go to school ! 

Buffalo, October, 1899. 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 141 



WHEN WE WERE BOYS TOGETHER. 



w 



HEN we were boys, merry, merry 
boys! 
When we were boys together, 
Methinks it seems but yesterday 
Since we were boys together. 

—Old Song. 



When we were boys we loved the fun, 

The joy-provoking ways. 
The rough-and-tumble games and romps 

Of merry boyhood's days. 

The fishing places where delight, 
The swimming crowds ! What joys ! 

And balls and tops and marbles then 
Made sport, when we were boys ! 

And those who soothed our sore mishaps, 

And kissed away the pain, 
Can only come in dreams tonight 

And kiss us o'er again! 



142 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Ah, bruises of our journeyings, 

Need touclies light as joys, 
For three-score years have passed and gone 

Since we were merry boys! 

Since we were boys, merry, merry boys, 

Since we were boys together ! 
Me thinks it seems but yesterday 

Since we were boys together! 

Buffalo, September, 1899. 



^ 



BUILDING A BONNET. 

EFORE her table, and near the fire, 
Hattie viewed a '*frame" of wire. 

Which cost a trifle in cash. 
Next she took a velvet strip. 
Then to a bureau did she trip. 
And then I heard a rip — rip, rip ! — 
That seemed to be quite rash. 

A dainty flower, some sprays and tips 
She held, while smiles came to her lips; 
And then she sewed awhile. 




SONGS AND ROMANCES. 143 

A flutter of lace, a lofty feather, 
Were placed so cosily together, — 
And then the maiden doubted whether 
She'd really frown or smile. 

But Hat tie worked with might and main — 
Put some things on — then off again, 

Yet still the bonnet grew. 
A buckle, ribbon and jets were brought. 
And such a combination fraught 
The bonnet became a **happy thought" 

Cost — a dollar or two ! 

Next day to church the maiden went, 
A day by her devoutly spent — 

In meditation lost ! 
'Till a lady said to another quite near; 
*'See Hattie's bonnet; do, my dear, 
'Tis really a ^pattern,' and 'tis clear 

A pretty price it cost!" 

Buffalo, December 9, 1893. 



144 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 



FORGOTTEN LITTLE CRADLES. 

THERE'S something sad and sorely in 
the silent Cradle Banks, 
Which now seem so neglected — only 
full of grateful thanks — 
Reminders of the joyous times their 
mate appeals had sway, 
When Poverty was conquered, if only for a day I 

No outings by the meadows, no flowers in fields 

of joy; 
No romping where the wavelets all the summer 

hours employ; 
No gathering health from breezes ; no sunlight 

on the mind; 
No proof — no proof to show us that the world 

is always kind ! 



If in moments of forgetfulness the Cradle 

Banks are still, 
And liberal hands are listless, and inert the 

generous will ; 




^ m 

o 



SOKGS AND KOMANCES. 145 

It is not that the little ones our hearts no 

longer sway, 
Nor carelessness of records of our good deeds 

for a day ! 

There are moments in the life time of a people 
doing good 

That the duty of the hour is not justly under- 
stood ; 

When sunshine of prosperity may glow so very 
bright 

That the plenty which surrounds us may dim 
our generous sight! 

Let us today remember that the presence of 

the poor 
Is ever, ever with us, as they pass from door to 
door, 
• And much as we may do for these, the child- 
ren of His love, 
The Lord will do for children of our house- 
holds gone above ! 
Buffalo, July, 1899. 



146 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 



BELOW ZERO. 

WOW the wind sweeps ! 
And the snow 
Flurries and follows the furious blast ! 
And below 
The ice lies thick and the pave's o'ercast, 
And Winter holds all the town in its grasp ; 
While closer and closer the Ice King creeps ! 

The night comes fast ! 
And the bells 
Hurrying hither and thither away, 

Sound sad knells 
On the bitter cold of the stormy day. 
Ah, the whirling snow and the dashing sleigh — 
The terrible rush of the north wind's blast ! 

Think of the poor ! 
Cheerless they — 
No fuel or food in a scanty room ; 

And no ray 
Of hope or relief from poverty's doom, 
While the winds, in mockery, sing in the gloom 
And snow dances in through the open door ! 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 147 

Hark ! on the wind 
There's a wail! 
Sounding alarm, as the storm hurries by, 

Through the gale ! 
There are people to save, and, oh, let us try ; 
Let us heed the loud call — let us stifle the cry ! 
We see the distress though the storm makes 
us blind ! 

Give but a mite ! 
And the deed 
Will gladden the homes and inspire anew ; 

And the need 
Is so pressing, the want is so true, 
That gifts which are speedy will double in view, 
And, Charity, passing, will smile at the sight ! 
Buffalo, January, 1897. 



.3* 



THE WORLD'S COMMON SCHOOL. 

THERE are many ways of doing things 
in shop and mill and store. 
And some are very curious and some 
are something more, 
But one thing I have learned, 'tis best, adopt 
one gen'ral rule 



148 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 

And use a little Common Sense in the 

world's 

common 

school. 

We are learning something ev'ry day, and no 

one knows it all ; 
We are hunting for and storing grains of truth 

however small, 
But when we're puzzled in our search and try 

some proffered rule, 
We turn to Common Sense to guide the 

world's 

common 

school. 

There are teachers that environ us in many 

irksome ways; 
There is knowledge that will flee from us and 

effort oft betrays. 
We care not what the plan may be which men 

adopt to rule 
There's nothing like Old Common Sense to 
guide 

the common 

school. 

We'll find that it is best to be in **average8" 
all right; 



I 



SONGS AKD EOMANCES. 149 

To keep our heads all bright and clear — our 

lessons all in sight, 
And when it comes to gathering the knowledge 

that will rule, 
'Tis Common Sense will surely lead the 

world's 

common 

school. 

In city schools the plan employ when other 

** orders" fail; 
When ^'systems" clash and **modes" appear to 

falter under sail. 
Just look aloft and see the clouds go scudding 

far away, 
When Common Sense asserts itself and 

gaily 

wins 

the day. 
Buffalo, December, 1896. 

J' 

GONE WITH THE FOURTH. 

HE glorious Fourth has gone ! 

The smoke, the noise, the full band 

and the banging of the drum. 
The rush,the buzz, the rustle and the 
hum, 




150 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Will sound less cheerful as the days roll by — 
As fleeting time goes by. 

The glorious Fourth has gone ! 
The loud giant cracker, wrapped in the silence 

of the year, 
Cannot split the tympanum of your ear, 
Its crash and tumult bursting through its form, 

Its fire-encircled form. 

The glorious Fourth has gone ! 
And with it all the din and dust, the heat and 

other things, 
That the Fourth on its rounds forever brings. 
The fear of fire, the dread of children burning 
there. 
'Mid scenes that seem so fair. 

The glorious Fourth has gone ! 
The excursions, and the swell of Erie's majestic 

tide; 
The girl who there stood trustingly beside 
You on the vessel's deck, fell limp and pale 

And gasped a fearful wail ! 

The glorious Fourth has gone ! 
And so have all these terrors of the patriotic 
day; 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 151 

The loss of money and the aches that play 
Sad havoc with our hopes, and then leave us 
With many things to grieve us. 
Buffalo, July 5, 1894. 



A VISION FROM THE CARNIVAL. 



^HE Carnival! The Carnival! 
So beautiful and fair — 
Ah, lovely girls, in costumes quaint, 
With smiles and flowers, are there. 
A Turkish girl in flowing pants, 
With Swedish girls — enjoy 
Gossip with those from Normandie, 
From Rome and ancient Troy. 

A German girl walks arm-in-arm 

With girls from France and Spain, 
And Japanese with waving fans 

Are in Japan again. 
And up from all this loveliness — 

A scene resplendent, rare — 
Comes forth a vision on the clouds 

A castle in the air. 



152 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 

Which, when the moving clouds disclose 
Its form from base to dome, 

Is seen, substantial, true and grand, 
The Press Club's future Home. 



RAINY DAY ADVICE. 



\ ( f There's a chance for you to do some M 

9 



WOMA]^, woman, woman! 

In this dark and murky weather, 
There's a chance for you to do some 
good — 

Now listen all together ! 



Lift your dress a little higher, 
As you walk along the street : 

Let your underskirts be pretty 
And your boots be trim and neat. 

Then the drabble, drabble, drabble. 
Of your silk or woolen dress. 

As you walk through slush and water. 
Will not give you sure distress !- 
Buffalo, January 22, 1895. 



S015rGS AND ROMANCES. 153 




GOOD-BY TO LI HUNG CHANG. 

ET up early in the morning, young 
America, I say. 
For the Oriental leader will most 

surely come this way ! 
He's the man that wears the feather 
and the yellow jacket, too, 
And he comes to see the Yankees and what the 

Yankee Doodles do ! 
He made the firecracker, which knows its 

noisy biz, 
All the packs of little torments that sputter, 

squirm and fiz, 
And those giant loud reporters that go with 

such a bang — 
Wake up, young America, and see 

Li 

Hung 

Chang. 

At the Falls a bold celestial pro ad follower of 

Li, 
Viewed the rainbow hanging there as if fallen 

from the sky ; 



154 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

And mentioned that the Earl has many a radi- 
ant snap, 

But to pluck the yellow bow would be a feather 
in his cap ; 

When loud celestial laughter through the regal 
party rang, 

And each one bowed most humbly at the name of 

Li 

Hung 

Chang. 

At the Cataract the servants of the mighty 

Chinaman 
Sang the songs of far-off Pekin on the wondrous 

Chinese plan ; 
They praised the Flowery Kingdom in a 

rhythm soft and low. 
Then broke into the chorus *'Put me off at 

Buffalo!" 
And then a man stepped forward with a drum 

and gave a bang — 
"Sing that chorus once again," he said, for 

Li 

Hung 

Chang. 

They viewed the route celestials take to gain 
the Yankee side, 



SONGS AND ROMAKCES. 155 

And laughed about the cunning tricks celestials 

play with pride ; 
They learned that here the smugglers of 

opium ply their wit, 
And some are caught and lose it all, while 

many more are — nit ! 
And all the stories told and all the songs they 



Had an interesting listener in 

Li 

Hung 

Chang. 

And now, good-by, celestial Li, wish you 
*'many happy days." 

Long may you live to introduce in China hon- 
est ways. 

You've seen *'01d Glory" waving o'er a land 
of sturdy Yanks, 

Who don't propose to suffer wrong or any 
foreign pranks. 

Give your people part of what you've seen amid 
the Yankee clang, 

And ages will revere thy name, brave 

Li 

Hung 

Chang. 

Buffalo, September 7, 1896. 



156 SONGS AKD EOMANCES. 



FOOT-PRINTS IN THE SNOW. 

T WAS morn ! A virgin mantle 
Covered all the somber town ; 
I could see the glistening snow-flakes, 

From my widow, nestling down ; 
And the shouts of truant scholars 
With their faces all aglow, 
Drew my eyes toward a maiden 
Making foot-prints in the snow. 

Where the drift lay smooth and tranquil. 

Bright and pure from Heaven beguiled ; 
And each flake a diamond sparkled. 

Walked this lovely little child ; 
Never heeding tinkling school-bell. 

Little fearing teacher's blow, 
For her thoughts were only bounded 

By her foot-prints in the snow. 

Pretty child ! Her hood seemed falling, 
And her cloak was much astray. 

While she raised her dress so lightly, 
Never heeding those at play ; 



1 



SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 157 

Thus with eyes intently watching, 

And with steps so very slow, 
Went this tiny maiden forward 

Making foot-prints in the snow. 

Bright and winsome little fairy ! 

You have drawn, with magic art, 
From the store house of remembrance 

Treasured pictures of the heart; 
Once again I'm treading pathways 

That I knew long, long ago ; 
Once again I'm by the roadside, 

Making foot-prints in the snow. 

Onward went the little maiden, 

Looking there so very sweet 
That the snow more brightly sparkled, 

'Neath the pressure of her feet. 
Happy child ! serene and lovely, 

May your life-stream onward flow, 
And life-sorrows fade as quickly 

As your foot-prints in the snow. 
Chicago, Jannarv, 1879. 



158 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 




ENGAGED. 

OME day I'll hold thee in my longing 
arms, 
Safe from all doubting grief and love's 

alarms, 

Soul-entrano'd and thrilled with thy 
sweet charms — 
Some day ! Some day ! 
Life of my life, I'll hush all love's alarms — 
Some day! 

Some day companionship — so true — we'll 

know — 
So strong and trustful it will bloom and grow 
That happiness will seem to overflow — 

Some day ! Some day ! 
Like a full goblet, jarr'd, 'twill overflow — 

Some day! 

Our souls, o'erleaping all the world 's alloys. 
Strong in the promise of eternal joys. 
Will heed no check which doubting faith 
employs, 
SoiQe day! Some day! 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 159 

Enraptured souls, inspired by promised joys- 
Some day ! 

How tenderly we'll guard our journeying way; 
How pure in thought we'll grow each passing 

day! 
All doubts will flee with those who would 

betray 
Someday! Someday! 
Treach'rous friends, and doubts, will flee 

away — Some day ! 

Some day we'll know each other's secret care- 
Each other's joy, or sorrow, we will share :— 
When storms arise I'll guard thee till 'tis fair- 
Some day ! Some day ! 
Loyal and true, I'll guard thee till 'tis fair- 
Some day ! 

Some day, together we will kneel and say: 
**Lord, give us light to know the perfect way, 
And will and strength to follow Thee, we 
pray!" 
Some day ! Some day ! 
Hand in hand, we'll walk the perfect way- 
Some day ! 

Some day, my sad, sad heart, oft comfortless, 
You'll fill >ith gladness, and my life you'U 
bless. 



160 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Some day you'll thrill me with a wife's caress — 

Some day ! Some day ! 
O'ertask'd, or ill, I'll need thy soft caress — 

Some day! 



PARTED. 

(Written after reading a letter found on the field of 
Custer's last battle.) 

TIS over I We have parted and no fare- 
well word was said, 
And lonely must I journey on till 
one or both are dead ! 
No explanation of my course — no 
word to touch her heart; 
Oh, what a way for one who loves with one he 
loves to part ! 

**I thought you'd gone another way," she said 

with faintest smile; 
**I cannot go another way!" I answered, sad 

the while. 
What other way is left for me but where her 

feet may tread? 
What other sky is Heaven to me but that above 

Jier head? 



SOKGS AND EOMANCES. 161 

She stood just at the doorway, and the door 

was still ajar, 
As yet quite near I followed her, though gazing 

from afar, 
**At least you'll let me write!" Ah, me! how 

could she that deny? 
But so it was, and soon the door swung to 

'twixt her and I ! 

There's a brightness in the household where 

her moving form is seen ; 
There's a joy goes with her presence — but the 

door is now between, 
And as I turn to leave her, what a darkness 

doth appal ! 
My God ! Where shall I wander now, earth has 

no joy at all ! 

The world is full of sunlight and the air is full 
of song. 

For Nature's voices harmonize through all the 
summer long ! 

And, yet, I turn with longing look, with throb- 
bing heart and brain. 

For sunlight of a witching face I ne're may see 
again! 

I cannot, do not, blame her! There's a gulf 
'twixt her and me 



162 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

As boundless, broad, expansive, and as deep 
as is the sea ! 

What a perilous place I stand on, by the thres- 
hold of her door. 

With darkness all around me and a dead hope 
just before. 

Gone from my gaze in beauty, like the star 

that falls at night, 
To leave a line of glory that may dim the 

watcher's sight! 
Gone from my gaze in beauty, and yet no 

cheery tone 
To strengthen will, and heart, and hand to 

battle on alone ! 

I do not blame the parting, for it had to come 

at last! 
I do not blame her coldness oft, for all of that 

is past! 
But, oh, when standing at the door and 

"Good-bye" must be said, 
She might have spoken words just then to raise 

the drooping head ! 

'Tis over! We have parted, and the years 

that follow now 
Will lay their weight full heavy on a yet 

unwrinkled brow; 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 163 

But loving words, unuttered in a cold, dark 

world like this. 
In Heaven may find expression when our spirits 

meet in bliss ! 



THE BIRTH OF KISSES. 

— ^LLA WHEELER WILCOX, sensible 
"z^ and fair, 

v* How nicely you've defended lovers' 
. -i— < kisses 

And saved them from those doctors debonaire 
Who mar the fountain where so much of 
bliss is. 

They say that microbes linger round the lips 
Of beauteous maids — those lips we love to 
dwell on ; 
That from twin blossoms, rosy red, one sips 
Contagion, which so long we've rushed pell, 
mell on. 

Ella contends, in ages far away, 

Lovers made kisses for love's confession, 

And that the lovers of the present day 
Should claim a patent to prevent digression. 



164 SONGS AND BOMANCES. 

How kind, how brave, how noble is the claim 
That love kills microbes and our bliss 
enhances; 
No more to see the shadow of a blame, 

No more to miss those dear enchanting 
chances ! 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox, we don't agree ! 

Dear mother kisses were the first ere given; 
A cherub baby's mouth so fair and free, 

Inspired the kiss — a patent sent from heaven. 

Reviving light shines through the darkling 
gloom, 

And hope is seen amid those fond caresses ; 
The shadows lift and joy finds ample room, — 

A mother's kiss her soul's delight expresses. 

And lovers, viewing the enraptured pair — 
The babe's delight — with mother's joy con- 
tending — 
Resolved to banish ills and trivial care. 

And through their lips, inspire their souls to 

blending. 
Buffalo, January, 1894. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 165 



A NEW YEAR REVERIE. 

LITTLE gleam of sunshine. 
Sadness and a song ; 
A little bit of shadow, 
A cloud, a motly throng, 
A laugh, a look of pity, 
A hasty greeting here ; 
A parting and a ditty. 

The moisture of a tear — 
And these make up the cycle of a passing year. 




Now to the passing year do thoughts like these 
arise. 
To tell us of the swiftly fleeing hours. 
How short the span— a year ! We lift our eyes, 
And, lo, the snow drifts hide the summer 
flowers. 

Meetings and partings! Scenes so closely 
blending — 
Like summer foliage and the rustling leaves — 
While Love and Friendship messages are send- 
ing 
In grateful kindness over land and seas. 



166 SOKGS AKD EOMAKCES. 

Oh, trusting heart, though short the time and 

fleeting, 

Eemember that our Heavenly Father's near, 

And from above He sends a loving greeting — 

His watchful care extends through all the 

year. 



A little gleam of sunshine. 

Sadness and a song, 
A little bit of shadow, 

A cloud, a motly throng, 
A laugh, a look of pity, 

A hasty greeting here, 
A parting and a ditty. 

The moisture of a tear — 
And these make up the cycle of a passing year. 
Buffalo, December 29, 1895. 



A WINTER SCENE ON THE PRAIRIE. 



r 



ROM a farmer's lonely dwelling, on a 
dull and cheerless morn. 
Went a youth to feed the cattle, but, 

alas I there was no corn ; 
There was ice upon the lowlands, 
where the chilly wind flew fast, 



SOKGS AND KOMANCES. 167 

And the clouds, like ramparts frowning, 
seemed to hold the wintry blast. 

A dark line on the pairie, where the Machehaha 

runs, 
Marks a place for cooling shelter from the 

summer's burning suns; 
But the bare and brittle branches of the trees 

now sadly drear, 
Moan along the frozen waters like a death-knell 

on the ear. 

The youth looked to the eastward where the 

day god shines afar, 
But the dun clouds in the heavens had shut 

out the golden car — 
As if the drowsy angels, shivering through 

celestial light, 
Came down with hands too chilly to upfold the 

shades of night. 

As he gazes o'er the country — ^look! a shim- 
mering light is seen, — 

'Tis the icy diamond's glitter on earth's jeweled 
carpet's sheen; 

And the dun clouds in the heavens, casting 
shadows as they pass. 

Can be view'd, as in a mirror, on the sea of 
frozen grass. 



168 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Hark ! A sound comes from the rising of the 

hill beyond the streams, 
Where a dead oak's gnarled branches in the 

distance waves and gleams — 
It re-echoes through the distance in a long, 

vibrating note, — 
'Tis the prairie wolf in hunger — 'tis the 

cowardly coyote. 

A deer has broken cover on the upland far 

away, 
It is making easy progress where the quiet 

shadows play : 
The breeze from prairie warrens now the wild 

dog's barkings bring, 
And the hawk afrights the game bird with the 

shadow of its wing. 

But the youth hears sadder noises than those 

upon the breeze. 
And he views a deeper shadow than those 

among the trees. 
For he's heard the neighbors telling that the 

cattle in the sheds 
Cannot rise for want of fodder from their cold 

and frozen beds. 

From the farmer's lonely dwelling on a dull 
and cheerless morn. 



SOKGS Al^D ROMANCES. 169 

Went a youth to feed his cattle, but alas ! there 

was no corn; 
There was nothing that would strengthen on 

the ranges where they fed, 
And half the herd were dying, and — the other 

half were dead. 
Lawrence, Ks., March, 1875. 



THE MYTHICAL FAIRYLAND. 

■J^HE children are thinking of Fairyland, 
^ a mythical land of love, 

And they feel that the things they 
see in the stores are sent from the 
clouds above ; 
And Santa will come in a day or two, with his 

sleigh and his deers and all. 
And out of his treasures of beautifnr things a 
present for each will fall. 

Oh, mythical, mythical Fairyland, the land of 

the beautif al things. 
Spontaneous growth and magical means give 

Santa the treasure he brings. 



170 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

There's a river that flows in Fairyland with 

barges all laden with toys, 
And Fairies who sing and Fairies who tell of 

mythical, mythical joys; 
There are streets smooth and fine in that 

Fairyland, and wagons go constantly by, 
And horses with plumes nod their heads as 

they pass and the drivers are ever so spry. 



Those wagons are laden with candies and fruits, 

and dolls and aprons and gowns, 
And work of the Fairies goes on every day in 

homes and cities and towns. 
There's never a rest in Love's brave work in 

the mythical, mythical land, 
For none grow weary from daylight till dark 

where Love rules with gentle command. 



And no one's forgotten, for Santa has there 

the names of every one born ; 
His ponderous volumes tell where they live and 

never a leaf is torn ; 
There's grandma and baby and grandpa and 

boy and mother and father and all. 
Are called by their names when Santa Claus 

comes and presents from bundles fall. 



SONGS AKD K0MANCE8. 171 

Oh, mythical, mythical Fairyland, the realm 

of beautiful things — 
Spontaneous growth and magical means give 
Santa the treasure he brings. 
Buffalo, Dec, 1898. 




A BABY'S TALE OF WOE. 

ELL me I pray : 
May a weak little voice be heard, 
'Mid the din of the garish day? 
May a weak little cry go forth? 
Will you list what a babe may say' 
I'm a weak little thing! A boy! 

With a curious head and brain — 
Which expands as I sleep, and grows 
Till my body is racked with pain. 

Poor little babes like me, you know, 
See things through a glimmer of light. 

Slow, by degrees, in a fashion most queer. 
We wake from the Darkness of Night. 

So on as awake, a low, sweet voice. 
Sings softly a beauteous strain — 



172 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 

And oh, once more the Silent Past 
And the Darkness is ours again. 



This is the first poor babies know 
Of deception and cruel wrong ; 

This is the first of a baby's woe, 
The first of the Lullaby Song. 

IVe learned that men work day and night, 

In dens both dark and deep, 
Forging the links of a Lullaby Song 

To entice little babes to sleep! 

Sleep! Oh, no! For the world is bright, 
And into its secrets we pry — 

What is mother thinking about? 
And why does she start when I cry? 

I cry ! and a bottle springs forth, 
I cry ! and there's running around. 

I cry! Paragoric is brought, 
I cry ! Till the spoon is found. 

I scream ! Consternation is there ! 

The nurse in alarm for my sake. 
Exclaims: **0h, dear, this child, I know; 

Has a terrible stomach ache!" 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 173 

A mystery quite is a babe ! 

Nurse turns me and throws me about, 
I'm bounced and trotted, bounced once more, 

And am tossed till I'm inside out." 

Then I'm tucked in a cradle bed, 

Till you can hardly see my nose, 
And, oh, that Lullaby again 

Is the source of increasing woes ! 

Papa comes in — his voice is loud ; 

**I will quiet that noisy boy." 
Out of the heated cradle bed 

I am lifted and thrilled with joy! 

There is fun in the household then 
And my laugh is an electric spark, 

Give us room! Give us light! Let's hide 
The Lullaby Song in the Dark ! 
Bujffalo, January, 1895. 



174 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 




PUT THE PADDLE OUT OF SIGHT. 

Albany, N. Y., Nov. 24. — A.ttorney-General Daviea has 
written an opinion to the effect that paddling in a State 
Reformatory Institution is illegal. The opinion, so it said, 
is the outcome of a letter written by Supt. Brockway to 
the board of managers of the Elmira institution, asking if 
paddling would be permitted under the present law. 

UPERINTENDENT BROCKWAY 

asked the question 'tether day, 
If he and his old paddle could again 

begin to play — 
If his arm might have the practice it 
long had known so well, 
And his soul the exultation of flogging in the 
cell! 

It really seems he's lonesome with his paddle 
put away — 

He's eager to renew again its ''mild, persua- 
sive" play! 

And hear once more those plaintive cries that 
thrilled his heart with joy, 

When he tried to make a man grow from the 
paddle and the boy ! 

But never more we'll view again the sientific 
plan 



a 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 175 

That Brockway made so dazzling when the 

paddle course he ran — 
That results of reformation in its fullness you 

may see 
Where the paddle's plied with vigor and works 

industriously. 

But Brockway now must heed the law. He's 

baffled as we know — 
Though pity wouldn't soften him nor suffering 

ease a blow, 
His paddle falls, his arm's unnerved, *'persua- 

sive" rule is past. 
And right and fair humanity has come to save 

at last ! 
Buffalo, November, 1899. 



jf^ 



THE WINSOME VILLAGE GIRL. 

SO SING to others all the songs 
You ever heard in tune, 
Of summer girls and autumn girls 
And girls who wed in June ; 
Of college girls and city girls, 
And *' Hello girls" who call, 
Theater girls and waiter girls. 
Typewriter girls and all! 



176 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

There's one forgotten girl I know, 

As bright as e'er was seen, 
And in a realm of pure delight 

She reigns a perfect queen. 
Ah, pictures of your lovely ones 

Draw fullest praise, I'm sure, 
And all the girls I've mentioned here 

Have graces that allure ! 

But under leaves that shadow them 

The brightest flowers may bloom. 
And fairest pictures of the land 

Are formed in shade and gloom. 
And music does not always come 

From sources fair and bright. 
And eyes of friendship, loved so dear 

Beam oft in lesser light ! 

The maid I prize is lovely, 

Is witty, too, and smart, 
A helper in the household 

And sways with magic art, 
She can't be found in fashion's throng. 

Nor in its mazy whirl. 
You'll find her calm, serene and mild 

A handsome villege girl! 

At county fairs she can discuss 
A hundred useful things. 




W 

z 
o 



SOJS'GS AND R0MA2?^CES. 177 

And joy that seems to bubble o'er 

Into her world she brings. 
She's trim and neat from head to feet, 

All hearts are in a whirl 
When on the walk she stands to talk — 

The winsome village girl ! 

Buffalo, September, 1899. 



THE LADIES OF CADIZ. 

'D LIKE to go to Cadiz, 
Just to see those witching ladies. 
Those witching, witching ladies, where 

the orange blossoms blow. 
With their dainty cigarillas, 
And their quite too sweet mantillas — 
Oh, to Cadiz, with its ladies, I will go. 

And when our guns are booming, 

With a pity quite consuming 

I would say, *'0h, charming ladies, please to 

hustle now aboard. 
For, although we humble Cadiz, 
We don't war against the ladies. 



178 SOKGS AND ROMANCES. 

And the ladies of old Cadiz need not fear the 
Yankee sword." 

And with their cigarillas, 

And their all-too-cute mantillas, 

I would load up every cruiser with this fasci- 
nating crew; 

And so by easy stages 

I would bring these fair hostages, 

All these ladies of old Cadiz far across the 
ocean blue. 

— Cleveland Plain Dealer. 



LADIES NOT OP CADIZ. 

Faith, you may go to Cadiz, 
To those dear, bewitching ladies — 
Those dainty, dark-eyed ladies and their 
glances fierce and wild ; 
As for me, at love's beginning, 
I like gentle girls and winning. 
Whose glances melt in languor and whose 
words are low and mild. 

Above those girls of Cadiz 
A blooming Yankee maid is — 
Far above the ladies that in Spanish cities 
play— 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 179 

And spend their time coquetting 
Or for lovers always fretting — 
As from their fans they ogle in a curious sort 
of way. 

Nor in Madrid, nor in Cadiz, 
Nor among the Moorish ladies. 
Can you find such lovely ladies as in Buffalo 
are seen — 
They are all the heart can long for, 
Or poet write a song for, 
As you view them on a cycle or playing on the 
green. 

Don't be lured by witching ladies 
Dwelling off in distant Cadiz — 
Those man-undoing ladies who bewitch you as 
you go- 
Never mind their cigarillas. 
Their old-time cut mantillas — 
For Yankee girls in shirt waists are the sweet- 
est things that grow. 
Buffalo, August, 1898. 



180 SONGS AND EOMANCES. 




"THEY MAY TALK." 

'HEY way talk of their balmy breathed 
May, 
And their lovely' and leafy month 
June, 

When' the birds sing their songs 
through the day. 
And the owl through the night scolds the 
moon. 
But dearer — still dearer, October art thou, 
And sweeter the murmur of winds through 
the trees, 
Oh, when in the year do days such as now 
Chase nights such as these? 

'*They may talk of their beautiful flow'rs. 

And the sweets that they waft on the air; 
Of the joys of the long summer hours. 

And rambles with those that are fair; 
Yet dearer to me are the sere-tinted leaves. 

And sweeter the fragrance of fruit-tree and 
vine ; — 
With her that I love my heart never grieves 

For others divine. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 181 

"They may talk of their youth's sunny days, 

Of walks over moss-covered hills, 
Of scenes where the heart often strays, 

Or the songs that their memory trills ! 
Bat give me the present, I ask but the joys 

Of manhood to inspire my lay — 
For dearer by far than when we were boys 

Are scenes of today. 

"They may talk of their hopes and their fears, 

When Fancy would bid them to roam ; 
How Keality drown'd them in tears. 

When far from their dear native home. 
But give me the heart unconquer'd by Fate, 

And the eye that will quail not at Fear! 
Oh, who could know Love in a world without 
Hate; 

Or Joy — with no tear? 

Lawrence, Ks., October, 1878. 



THE FORGOTTEN PRAYER. 



S 



RANDPA, I've forgot my prayer!" 
Sobbed a winsome, weary child. 
From a bedroom warm and fair — 
But her grandpa only smiled. 



182 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Little Rose had come that day 

On the cars from neighboring town, 

Just to romp and run and play 
Till the summer sun went down. 

Kneeling there by grandpa's bed, 
Little eyelids could not close 

Till the evening prayer was said — 
Mother taught to little Rose. 

*^ Never mind the prayer tonight," 
Was the answer grandpa made ; 

'^Go to sleep, I'll shade the light — 
There, my child, don't be afraid." 

*' Grandpa, oh, wha-t shall I do!" 
Came in trembling accents low ; 

I have always prayed for you — 
Papa said I must, you know. 

"Every night my mamma said, 

I must pray before I sleep ; 
Could not even touch the bed — 

And I must my promise keep." 

** Daughter, you are all too nice, 
One time missed can't break the spell. 

And tomorrow say it twice — 
Surely that will do as well." 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 183 

Grandpa's look was full of care — 

Treacherous mem'ry would not yield — 

And uneasy moved he there, 
Helpless as the child that kneeled. 

Still the sobbing lips repeat: 
"G-randpa, start the prayer for me; 

And I'll make it all complete 
As when said at mother's knee." 

Calmness fell — In accents low 
Grandpa, trembling, then arose; 

*'Mary had a little"— *'No! 

No! no I no!' 'said sobbing Rose. 

Then in haste the Judge began — 
Seemingly he could not stop — 

**I'll repeat it if I can — 
Eock-by baby on tree top!" 

**!N'o-o-o!" came from the tot — 

Eyes too heavy now to weep 
And the prayer her lips forgot, 

Calmed her heart when fast asleep. 



^ 



184 SONGS Aiq-D KOMANCES. 




STORY OF THE DEGENERATE. 

LOW is my step through the city, and 
painful the thoughts that are 
burning ; 
Weary of wandering am I, 'tis useless 
to think of returning. 
The lights that shine through the windows, 
the joy of the throngs that are massing. 
Are nothing to me. I'm alone! Just one in 
the crowd that is passing. 

*' Nothing to me! I'm alone!" My compan- 
ions, my friends of the dawning, 

Have gone in the evening of life, and black is 
the sun of the morning. 

I shrink in the shadow and shade, I peer into 
faces of laughter — 

Once I was gay and my voice sounded up from 
the floor to the rafter! 

No Christmas for one such as I — no joy of 

receiving or giving ! 
No beautiful hands, soft and white, out- 

streched to a man who's just living. 



i 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 185 

There are faces, but, oh, they are those which 

mem'ry alone is recalling, 
There are smiles that fade in the haze, like & 

star that's flashing and falling. 

Oh, whence comes the taint in the blood that 

fires the soul to undoing — 
The passion unbridled, wild thoughts that 

sweep to the heart as if wooing? 
A barbaric camp on the hills in an age that*8 

distant and hoary. 
Held followers free as the air whose arrows 

made lines unto glory. 

I've felt the mad impulse of those who have 

dwelt by the valleys and mountains, 
I've walked by the rivers with them and drank 

to their health in the fountains ; 
I have known in mysterious ways an impulse 

beyond my controlling — 
To do what would trammel my soul, while I 

scorned ev'ry word of consoling. 

The swish of the trees and the breeze, the 
clouds in their beautiful seeming ; 

The coming of swallows in spring, the allure- 
ments of summer's soft dreaming; 

The rush of the leaves and the roar of the 
winds in the wintry weather ; 



186 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

The moan of a voice on the shore, where life 
seems to die altogether — 

Those voices and sounds filled my soul with 

thrillings of fiercest desire — 
Oh, tell me, can longing be checked when the 

heart and the brain are on fire? 
Flowing on, flowing on from the past, from 

those far-distant, barbaric ages. 
There's a taint in the stream of descent ! — the 

ancestral fire still rages ! 

Oh, for a Christmas of love in that home that 

was ever so cheering, 
Oh, for the wishes of joy and the clasp of the 

hand so endearing ; 
Oh, for the gentle caress ! It was mine in the 

land of the living — 
No Christmas for one sach as I — no joy of 

receiving or giving ! 
Buffalo, December, 1896. 



4 



SON-GS AN"D ROMANCES. 187 




A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT. 

HEEE is sunlight in the household 
where the children are at play, 
And parents grow more tender through 

this season glad and gay, 
For the glow of gen'rous giving, win- 
ning joy from every child, 
Shines and shimmers through the household 
like a light from heaven beguiled. 

There are homes that have no children — 

Heaven's sunlight streaming there 
Rests on silence that's disturbed not by the 

wee ones fond and fair ! 
Oh, ye mothers, who seem weary with the cares 

you have in view. 
Do you know how silent households, without 

children, envy you'r 
Buffalo, December 19, 1891. 



e^ 



188 SOl^GS AND KOMANCES. 



QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WEATHER. 



W" 



HAT is the weather?" says he, says 
he; 
The heart gives sunshine to 
weather," says she. 



**Then if we should live together?" says he, 
"Will it always be sunshine for thee and for 

me?" JH 

** Though it rains all the day," said she, said 

she, 
"There'll be sunshine at home for thee, for 

thee." 

"Then it won't be much of a shower," said he ; 
"No clouds can darken love's bower," said she. 

"Then I'll dwell with thee in all kinds of 

weather," 
Said the youth to the maid as they tripped off 

together. 



SONGS AND KOMANCES. 189 



CANADA'S MERRY MAIDS AND 
MATRONS. 

[The ladies of Ottawa, Canada have been detected in 
meeting at a private club room where cards were played 
for money and where wines and punches were "passed 
along." — Newspaper Item." 

THE ladies are, in Ottawa, detected, 
In walking afternoons with careless 
air, 
Or looking sad and weary, or dejected. 
As if borne down with all too much 
of care. 
They walk along the streets so unaffected, 

So careless of the gaze of saucy men. 
So demure — they could never be suspected 
Of staying from their homes till half-past 
ten. 

Alas, it has been found that merry beauties; 
That maids and matrons, too, can have some 
fun. 
And throw aside awhile domestic duties — 

To let "maiden meditations" have a run. 
Ah, the change! From weary and dejected 
walking ! 
They're now within a room all furnished fine. 



190 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

And sprightly maids and matrons are all talk- 
ing; 
Yes, talking gossip there and sipping wine. 

No sadness now ! And games of cards amuse 
them, 
The playing stakes are hardly ever high. 
Fortune's fickle! But losses don't confuse 
them. 
For "household money" goes upon the sly. 
** Woman's Club of Ottawa," ladies call it. 
And husbands, brothers, lovers seek the 
way, 
Their anger is so great they would appal it — , 
But ah ! the men have clubs and in them 

play! 
Buffalo, January, 1895. 

A SWEET CANADIAN GIRL. 

HE is winsome, wise and witty. 
And I'm sure she's very pretty — 

My sweet Canadian girl! 
A friend oft sympathizing. 
Yet a little tantalizing, 
But joyous and surprising 
My sweet Canadian girl. 




SOKQS AND ROMANCES. 191 

Her birthday ! — I was guessing 
Of the years so gently pressing — > 

My sweet Canadian girl. 
But she wmixed me up in dates so 
She talked of sleighs and skates so 
Of love and lovers' fates so, 

My sweet Canadian girl — 

That she may be sixteen, under, 
Or twenty-five, by thunder — 

My sweet Canadian girl. 
Or she may be thirty-seven — 
But I know she is my heaven 
Whether thirty and eleven — 

My sweet Canadian girl. 

Ah, she's posted on the races 
Has many winsome graces — 
My sweet Canadian girl. 
But her age — I cannot guess it ! 
And the question — I'll not press it. 
For I'm sure she won't confess it — 
My sweet Canadian girl. 
Buffalo, January 25, 1893. 



192 SOKGS AKD ROMANCES. 



YOU KISSED ME. 

YOU kissed me! And now I'm ashamed 
of the press 
You gave me when Eolly made bold 
to aspire. 
You kissed me ! I thought that I could 
not give less 
To Valor and Fame and the Flag we admire. 

But, oh, the vile sport to which kisses were 

made — 

An autograph card is the price that you 

name. 

And Valor looked humbled to witness the trade, 

While meek Admiration stood weeping with 

Fame! 
Buffalo, December, 1898. 



SONGS AND EOMANCBS. 193 



LEAVE THEM UNSAID. 

I EAVE them unsaid, when lips feel in- 
I } clined to 

IX. Say bitter things when passion's a- 
dl — 4 wheel ; 

Leave them unsaid, just when you're a 
mind to 
Break into torrents of taunts that are real. 

Wasting your strength in passionate railings 
Answers no purpose, and leaves but a sting ; 

Men only see 'tis yourself that have failings, 
There is no comfort that anger can bring. 

What if you say that a man who's a neighbor, 
Known to be generous all the year round. 

Shows but deceit in his speech or his labor, 
Words that convince are not these, I'll be 
bound. 

Stand by the man who's a friend when you 
need one — 

Ready to aid in a time of distress; 
Giving a hand all anxious to lead one ; 

Lifting a load when its weight doth oppress. 



194 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Ah, it is true that words thus unspoken 
Leave no indebtedness going unpaid ; 

Silence will give to the heart a sure token 
When joy takes the place of words left unsaid. 

Leave them unsaid, when lips feel inclined to 
Say bitter things, when passion's a-wheel; 

Leave them unsaid, just when you're a mind to 
Break into torrents of taunts that are real. 
Buffalo, Sept., 1897. 



FLEETING SUMMER DAYS. 



I 

/vi Thp vines against the wall wM 

M 



- ' I |UTUMN^ flowers are flaming red. 
The vines against the wall 
Show that their deep'ning color's fled 

And change is over all. 
The lawn is losing beauty, too, 
The trees a gloom portrays, 
And nothing seems so bright and new 
As in the summer days. 

Oh, summer days ! Oh, summer days ! 

Pray linger yet for long. 
Too fleeting are your winsome ways, 

Too short your thrilling song. 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 195 

We've only seen the fleecy clouds 

Go sailing o'er the sky, 
We've only felt the balmy air 

Go softly, swiftly by! 

These manhood days ! These manhood days ! 

Seem all too few. Alas, 
We long for them, and when they come 

We fain would hold them fast. 
Oh, fleeting days of summer. 

How beautiful you seem — 
But short'ning hours and falling leaves 

Pronounce you but a dream. 

Buffalo, September, 1899. 



A WONDERING FISHERMAN. 



0' 



, CAN you answer, stranger, now. 
What makes that angler look. 

So steady on the line he's cast 
That holds his baited'^hook? 



Say, does he count the number there 
bf fish he'll catch ere night — 

Or does he fear a sturgeon will 
Upset him ^by a bite?' " 



196 SON^GS AND ROMANCES. 

*'Ah, no," the stranger gruffly said, 
**He's wond'ring, do you see. 

Just where he'll get the cash to buy, 
This string of fish from me!'' 



SHE COULD NOT LIFT THE CUP. 

THE race, Sir Lipton says, was grand. 
And Iselin says the same ; 
The sturdy captains of the yachts 
Agree the race was game ! 
With wind so strong the ocean heaved 
And tossed the Shamrock up, 
But pull and strain howe'er she would 
She could not lift the cup ! 

It was a goodly sight to see ! — 

The Shamrock leads the way ! 
But soon Columbia, rail awash. 

Dashes great clouds of spray ! 
They round the outer mark with heads 

Like greyhounds pointed up, 
Tho' Shamrock strains from head to helm, 

She cannot lift the cup ! 



4 



SONGS AND ROMANCES. 197 

Over to Jersey's shore they go, 

Columbia in the lead ! 
"While Shamrock follows, sure and quick, 

And with increasing speed ! 
Neither will shorten sail, as now 

The home mark's looming up, 
Strain, Shamrock, strain! — 'Tis useless now — 

You cannot lift the cup ! 

Buffalo, October 21, 1899. 



BELLES OF ST. LOUIS. 

CHARMING, charming Cora Baker! 
Sweet is she as love can make her! 
When asleep the angels take her 
Where no earth-born revels wake her ! 
In fact, 'tis true. 
Very bright is Cora Baker! 
Ah, those eyes, sweet Cora Baker! 
Ah, those pearly teeth, Miss Baker! 
Ah, those glorious lips, Miss Baker ! 
I'm not Jn love! Are you? 



198 SONGS AND KOMANCES. 

Sweet and true is Paramore, 
Standing there, inside the door ; 
Her eyes with love are swimming o'er, 
And her lips I quite adore ! 

In fact, 'tis true — 
Charming is sweet Paramore; 
Soft her step upon the floor, 
And her cheek is more and more 
The peach's bloom when summer's o'er. 

I'm not in love! Are you? 



Very charming is Miss Brown 
When she drops her eyelids down! 
Bound and smooth and white her chin, 
And her mouth has pearls within ! 

In fact, 'tis true — 
Very charming is Miss Brown, 
And she's adored by all the town! 
Her eyes are bright, no froward frown 
E'er marred the face of sweet Miss Brown! 

I'm not in love! Are you? 



But there is one I do adore ! 
She's sweeter far than Paramore ! 
Sweeter far than Cora Baker 
When the angels shake to wake^her ! 
And 'tis true. 



4 



SONGS AND BOMANCES. 199 

Sweeter far than is Miss Brown 
When she drops her eyelids down. 

***** 

Queen-like is her step ! Her eye 
Has all the brightness of the sky ! 
And her brow is — oh, so fair! 
Sunlight plays amid her hair ! 
Lips so tender, pouting, too ! 
Smiles that thrill you through and through! 
Ah, she sings with such an air- 
Angels come to listen there ! 
I am in love! 'Tistrue! 
St. Louis, Mo., June, 1884. 



ECHOES FROM AN OLD KEY-BUGLE. 

ULL twenty years have flown since 
then!" 
Why, comrade, surely no ; 
It cannot be ! Yet time glides past 
Swift as the river's flow, 
And he whose bugle-call we praised 

Has many years been dead ; 
No more we'll hear "tattoo" resound 
From lips of "Putty Ned." 




200 SONGS AND ROMANCES. 

Where Erie bounds in mad career, 



Above Niagara's fall, 
Was heard full oft by list'ning ear 

A well-known bugle-call ; 
Full oft where Captain BidwelPs boys 

Their hardy camp-life led, 
Was felt the charm that music lends, 

In strains from *' Putty Ned." 

And men who camped with * * Company D , " 

And Fletcher's troop would tell 
How cheering was the bugle so und, 

That sweetly rose and fell; 
No other music had a charm, 

When cares of camp had fled 
Like those pure airs sent proudly forth 

By stalwart *Tutty Ned." 

A bugle, not of silver made 

Nor burnished bright and fine, 
But, oh, its notes were heard with joy 

Along the steady line ; 
And then, at night, beneath the stars, 

In silence deep, profound. 
That old key— bugle charmed the camp 

With magic of its sound. 

Yes, twenty years have flown since then, 
And music with its power 



I 



SOXGS AND EOMAXCES. 201 

Has held us rapt in many a spell, 

Bewitching many an hour; 
But when the heart is thrilled the most, 

We rest the drooping head 
To hear the faintest bugle- tones 

From far-off ** Putty Ned." 

And many times since then I've thought, 

When stirred by memory's sounds. 
If soldiers form the night bivouac 

In heaven's camping-grounds, 
How quick, should that old bugle there 

Sound forth all full and free, 
Would Fletcher's troopers, friendly still, 

"Fall in" with "Company D"! 



THE MAN WITH THE SHOVEL. 

'HE man with the shovel is in review — 
Ah, he is a hero I say. 
For he stands the boldest I tell what's 
true — 

You can find in the streets today. 
The shovel flies fast as the snowflakes there 
And a path is made for the feet of the fair. 




202 SONOS AND ROMANCES. 

The man with the shovel! Ah, see him there, 
Strong of muscle and stout of frame ; 

His thoughtful face has a look of care, 

And none may know from whence he came, 

He throws the snow where the strong winds 
meet 

And a path is made for the children's feet. 

The man with the shovel ! He braves the blast. 

Blinding snow and threatening sky; 
With hurrying winds his hands move fast — 
He bravely works where drifts are high. 
And a path he makes with timely care 
For the slowing feet of an aged pair. 

The man with the shovel ! Ah, where does he 
dwell?— 

Down in the city's humble part; 
And what's his name? I cannot tell, 

I only know he's stout of heart, 
And where the snow drifts block the street 
He clears a path for the people's feet. 

Buffalo, March 2, 1900. 



SONOS v\ND ROMAXrES. 20^ 




ENGLAND WEARS THE GREEN. 

HOUGH dark are our sorrows, today 
we'll forget them, 
And smile through our tears, like a 
sunbeam in showers ; 
There never were hearts, if our rulers 
would let them, 
More form'd to be grateful and bless'd than 
ours. 

— Thomas Moore, Prince's Day. 



'Tis Valor's triumph over ills, 

That have been felt through many years 
Which makes South Africa's distant hills 

The sepulcher of Erin's tears. 
Yes, in the battle's front and high 

On hills where footholds are not seen. 
That, battling for the Queen, they die— 

Those Irishmen who wear the green. 



Ah, brave were they in years gone by. 
When, battle-pressed, they saved the day 



204 SON"GS AXD IIOMAXCES. 

By making charging squadrons fly 
And conquering in the mortal fray, 

But never have they shone so bright 
In martial spirit, shine or sheen, 

As now, and when in mad delight 
All England wears the Irish green ! 

The past is but a troubled dream, 

The present shines in glorious light ; 
See Erin's flag, its emerald gleam 

Shines brightly from the darksome night. 
Hail, beacon of a brighter time. 

In darkness held and held too long, 
Go tell the brave in every clime. 

There comes a day that ends a wrong ! 

How grand the songs of Erin rise 

To greet the ears of stalwart sons, 
When valiant nations, in surprise, 

Have heard reports of Irish guns. 
And up from every mountain crag 

Are shouts where valleys intervene — 
For England flies old Erin's flag! 

And England wears the Irish green! 
Buffalo, March 18, 1900. 



,,,V,^RARy OF 



CONGRESS 



^WW^^ii^ 



